Quasi-exact solution to the Dirac equation for the hyperbolic-secant potential

We analyze bound modes of two-dimensional massless Dirac fermions confined within a hyperbolic secant potential, which provides a good fit for potential profiles of existing top-gated graphene structures. We show that bound states of both positive and negative energies exist in the energy spectrum and that there is a threshold value of the characteristic potential strength for which the first mode appears. Analytical solutions are presented in several limited cases and supercriticality is discussed. © 2014 American Physical Society