Can complex potentials lead to allowed trajectories?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the implications of complex potentials in quantum mechanics, specifically through the Schrödinger equation (SE) expressed as \(\psi = \exp(iS/\hbar)\). The complex potential \(U = V(x) - \frac{i\hbar}{2m}(\nabla^{2}{S})\) is derived, leading to the classical equation of motion \(m\frac{d^{2}x}{dx^{2}} = -\nabla{U}\). The use of trial functions for \(S\) allows for iterative solutions that yield increasingly accurate values of \(S\). The concept of complex trajectories is explored, suggesting that particles can exist in classically forbidden regions, supported by the eikonal equation of optics where the refractive index \(n\) becomes complex.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the Schrödinger equation (SE)
  • Familiarity with complex potentials in quantum mechanics
  • Knowledge of the eikonal equation in optics
  • Basic principles of the Uncertainty Principle
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation and applications of complex potentials in quantum mechanics
  • Learn about iterative methods for solving differential equations in quantum contexts
  • Explore the implications of the eikonal equation on particle trajectories
  • Investigate the relationship between the Uncertainty Principle and trajectory existence
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Quantum physicists, researchers in theoretical physics, and students studying advanced quantum mechanics concepts.

eljose
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let be the solution to SE in the form [tex]\psi=exp(iS/\hbar)[/tex] where S has the "exact" differential equation solution in the form:

[tex]\frac{dS}{dt}+\frac{1}{2m}(\nabla{S})^{2}+V(x)-\frac{i\hbar}{2m}(\nabla^{2}{S})[/tex]

then we could form the complex potential:[tex]U=V(x)-\frac{i\hbar}{2m}(\nabla^{2}{S})[/tex]

and the Classical equation of Motion in the form:

[tex]m\frac{d^{2}x}{dx^{2}}=-\nabla{U}[/tex]

How do we solve equation (1)?...for example we use a trial function for S=f(r,t) then we calculate [tex]\nabla^{2}{f(r,t)[/tex] and introduce it into equation (1),solve S for this function f(r,t) and again we introduce into the differential equation to find another value of S more accurate than before.

Complex trajectories...are they allowed?..remember that the particle can be into a "classical forbidden" region,then if we use the eikonal equation of Optics [tex](\nabla{S})^{2}=n^{2}[/tex] with n the refraction index of the material we would find for our particle that n would be complex so the "rays of light" trajectories of the particle,can go inside the potential barrier...
 
Last edited:
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let be the solution to SE in the form [tex]\psi=exp(iS/\hbar)[/tex] where S has the "exact" differential equation solution in the form:

[tex]\frac{dS}{dt}+\frac{1}{2m}(\nabla{S})^{2}+V(x)-\frac{i\hbar}{2m}(\nabla^{2}{S})[/tex]

then we could form the complex potential:[tex]U=V(x)-\frac{i\hbar}{2m}(\nabla^{2}{S})[/tex]

and the Classical equation of Motion in the form:

[tex]m\frac{d^{2}r}{dr^{2}}=-\nabla{U}[/tex]

How do we solve equation (1)?...for example we use a trial function for S=f(r,t) then we calculate [tex]\nabla^{2}{f(r,t)[/tex] and introduce it into equation (1),solve S for this function f(r,t) and again we introduce into the differential equation to find another value of S more accurate than before.

Complex trajectories...are they allowed?..remember that the particle can be into a "classical forbidden" region,then if we use the eikonal equation of Optics [tex](\nabla{S})^{2}=n^{2}[/tex] with n the refraction index of the material we would find for our particle that n would be complex so the "rays of light" trajectories of the particle,can go inside the potential barrier...

Remember that Uncertainty Principle says that we can not meassure the variable of postion and momentum because if we meassured the position using photons these photons interacting with the particle would modify its momentum but this does not imply that trajectories won,t exist.
 
Last edited:

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