Do QM Axioms Guarantee Solutions for Any Potential in 1D Wave Functions?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the implications of quantum mechanics (QM) axioms on the existence of solutions to the Schrödinger equation for any potential in one-dimensional wave functions. Participants explore theoretical aspects, mathematical conditions, and the nature of eigenfunctions within the context of QM.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants question whether the Schrödinger equation always has a solution regardless of the potential V, even in cases of discontinuous potentials.
  • There is a claim that not all eigenfunctions of the Hamiltonian reside in L²(R), suggesting that some solutions may be mathematically valid but not physically realizable.
  • One participant asserts that the axioms of quantum mechanics are always true, but acknowledges that finding solutions to the Schrödinger equation can be complex and dependent on the potential's shape.
  • Another participant mentions that the existence of solutions is generally accepted for physically realistic potentials, while also noting the challenges posed by unbounded operators in quantum mechanics.
  • A participant raises a specific concern regarding the validity of a proof related to the Riemann Hypothesis (RH) and its connection to Hamiltonians, questioning the assumption of continuity in potentials.
  • It is suggested that potentials can be constructed to yield specific sets of energies through first-order perturbation theory, indicating a method to relate potentials to eigenvalues.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the existence of solutions to the Schrödinger equation for arbitrary potentials, with some asserting that solutions exist for physically realistic cases while others challenge the assumptions regarding continuity and the nature of eigenfunctions.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the dependence on the continuity of potentials and the mathematical validity of eigenfunctions in L²(R). The discussion highlights unresolved mathematical steps and the complexity of relating potentials to eigenvalues.

eljose
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I have this question,when i was told QM they taught me some axioms:(1D)
The wave function of the particle is given by the differential equation:

[tex]i\hbar\frac{d\psi}{dt}=\frac{-\hbar^{2}}{2m}D^{2}\psi+V(x)\psi[/tex] with D=d/dx

and that the eigenfunctions of [tex]H\phi=E_{n}\phi[/tex] are all orthogonal and are on L^2(R) function space...

i have discussed in other forum a method to obtain RH by assuming that a Hamiltonian have its energies being the eigenvalues of a certain function f(x) my question in this case is if:

a)does the Schroedinguer equation have always a solution independent of what the potential V is?.,let,s suppose that potential is dicontinous everywhere (impossible but mathematically true).

b)are always the eigenfnction of the Hamiltonian on the space L^2(R)

c)can we always say that exist a potential V so the energies of the system are the roots of a certain function f(x)?...

i have some discussion with mathematicians there saying that ...
 
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a) Functions that are continuous everywhere, but nowhere differentiable are also possible mathematically, but are physically meaningless (although some artificial potentials they can be used as excellent models). I`m sure that in all practical cases you will encounter a solution does exist.

b) Are you asking whether all eigenfunctions of the Hamiltonian live in L^2(R)? That answer is no, so those functions are not physically realizable. They exist only as mathematical solutions to the D.E.
 
eljose said:
I have this question,when i was told QM they taught me some axioms:(1D)
The wave function of the particle is given by the differential equation:

[tex]i\hbar\frac{d\psi}{dt}=\frac{-\hbar^{2}}{2m}D^{2}\psi+V(x)\psi[/tex] with D=d/dx

and that the eigenfunctions of [tex]H\phi=E_{n}\phi[/tex] are all orthogonal and are on L^2(R) function space...

i have discussed in other forum a method to obtain RH by assuming that a Hamiltonian have its energies being the eigenvalues of a certain function f(x) my question in this case is if:

a)does the Schroedinguer equation have always a solution independent of what the potential V is?.,let,s suppose that potential is dicontinous everywhere (impossible but mathematically true).

b)are always the eigenfnction of the Hamiltonian on the space L^2(R)

c)can we always say that exist a potential V so the energies of the system are the roots of a certain function f(x)?...

i have some discussion with mathematicians there saying that ...

First thing's first:
Yes, the axioms of quantum mechanics are ALWAYS TRUE.

1.Technically, the SE is a second order PDE. Finding solutions to is not always simple. All solutions depend on the shape of the potential. In practice, the V functions is known (the methods to get it is beyond the preoccupation of the theorists) and the equations solutions are sought through various anaytical or perturbative methods.

2. By the virtue of the Stone- von Neumann's theorem and that of Bargmann's transformation of the Fock representation of Born-Jordan CCR, we know for sure that [itex]L^{2}[/itex] is a "good" Hilbert space for wavefunctions. The trick appears when the operators (position, momentum and the Hamiltonian) are unbounded (they are in most cases), so that the domain of these operators are dense subspaces (called "nuclear subspaces") of [itex]L^{2}[/itex].

Daniel.
 
There is, to date, no reason to doubt the assuptions behind QM. And, of course, if somehow, somewhere these assuptions are not true, then sooner than later, some experiment will demonstrate the problem. And, actually, there are problems with the math of Quantum Field Theory, we simply do not know whether QFT is well-set.

Most physicists are highly pragmatic, and tend not to worry about all the mathematial nicities -- hey, not to worry about unbounded operators... And, as far as I know, when the mathematicians have caught up with us, they provide justification for our intuitive approach. All that really matters is that the Schrödinger Eq.has solutions for physically realistic potentials -- and it does -- talking here non-rel SE, and, I'm pretty sure such solutions also work in the case ofthe Dirac and Klein-Gordan equations.

Regards,
Reilly Atkinson
 
the problem i have is this: in a math forum i provided a proof to RH that is that all the NOn-trivial zeros of the function [tex]\zeta(1/2+is)=0[/tex] to prove that i choose a Hamiltonian,whose eigenvalues are precisely the roots of this function and after that i prove ther are all real,i made the assumption that the potential is continuous but some nasty mathematician keep saying that this is not true and that my affirmation is not valid (this of course without a proof), then this is my problem if given a nowhere-continous potential can we make the assumption that the SE will have Eigenvalues and eigenfunctions...
 
Your proof is way beyond my pay grade.

As far as I know a requirement for solution of a Schrödinger (differential) equation is potentials continuous except at countable sets of measure zero, like a potential made from a countable number of square wells. What would be interesting, however, is to look at the electrical potential and/or fields of a classical particle undergoing nowhere-continuous motion.
Tough stuff.
Regards,
Reilly Atkinson
 
Also we can prove that for every set of energies [tex]E_{n}=g(n)[/tex] we can always find a potential in first order perturbation theory...

[tex]E_{n}-E^{0}_{n}=<\phi|V|\phi>[/tex] where [tex]\phi E^{0}_{n}[/tex] are the eigenfunctions and eigenvalues of H0=p^{2}/2m
 

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