Klein paradox

noun

A surprising result of applying the Dirac equation to the problem of electron scattering from a potential barrier. In non-relativistic quantum mechanics, electron tunnelling into a barrier is observed, with exponential damping. However, if the potential is of the order of the electron mass, V∼mc², the barrier is nearly transparent; moreover, as the potential approaches infinity, the reflection diminishes and the electron is always transmitted.

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Meanings

nounKlein paradox (plural Klein paradoxes)

plural Klein paradoxes

  1. quantum mechanicsA surprising result of applying the Dirac equation to the problem of electron scattering from a potential barrier. In non-relativistic quantum mechanics, electron tunnelling into a barrier is observed, with exponential damping. However, if the potential is of the order of the electron mass, V∼mc², the barrier is nearly transparent; moreover, as the potential approaches infinity, the reflection diminishes and the electron is always transmitted.

Origin

Discovered by physicist Oskar Klein in 1929.

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Cite this entry
APA

Klein paradox. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 4, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/Klein%20paradox

MLA

“Klein paradox.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/Klein%20paradox. Accessed November 4, 2026.

Chicago

WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “Klein paradox,” accessed November 4, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/Klein%20paradox.

Source: Klein paradox on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.