SE equation with a strong potential

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around solving the Schrödinger equation (SE) with two potentials, V and V_0, in a scenario where N is a significantly large number. Participants explore approximate methods for solving the equation, including perturbation theory and the WKB approach, while considering the implications of the potentials involved.

Discussion Character

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

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents the SE with two potentials and seeks an approximate solution.
  • Another suggests changing variables and performing a first-order development with V/N as a perturbation, noting the potential's dependence on x.
  • A different participant describes a method involving dividing the equation by N and applying the WKB approach, treating V as a perturbation to first and second order.
  • Another participant proposes solving for NV_0 first and then applying perturbation theory to the other potential.
  • One participant questions the validity of the WKB method and asks for clarification on the specific problem context, including whether it involves bound states or scattering.
  • They also mention a specific solvable case involving a 1/r potential with large angular momentum as a potential test case.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the applicability of the WKB method and the specifics of the problem being addressed. There is no consensus on the best approach or the validity of the proposed methods, indicating multiple competing views remain.

Contextual Notes

Participants acknowledge the need for more information regarding the specific problem context, including the nature of the potentials and whether the focus is on bound states or scattering. The discussion reflects uncertainty about the effectiveness of first-order perturbation theory given the magnitudes involved.

eljose
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let be the SE with two potentials V and V_0 with N>>>>1 a big number..

[tex]i\hbar\frac{d\psi}{dt}=-\frac{\hbar^{2}}{2m}D^{2}\psi+(V+NV_{0})\psi[/tex]

then my question is how could we solve it approximately..thanks...
 
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If you know a solution for V_0, then change t as tN and x² as Nx² and V as V/N. Then perform a first order development with V/N as pertubation.

Note that V0 probably depends on x, and therefore you need to manage the change of variables x² -> Nx² in the potential term too.
If V0 as a dependence like VO(x/xref), then xref² has simply to be replaced by N xref². Should be simple.
 
thanks..i manage in a very similar way described by you:
first i divide all equation by N e=1/N tehn we would have:

[tex]ie\hbar\frac{d\psi}{dt}=-\frac{e\hbar^{2}}{2m}D^{2}\psi+(eV+V_{0})\psi[/tex]

after that i define the Hamiltonian [tex]H_{0}=-\frac{e\hbar^{2}}{2m}D^{2}\psi+V_{0}\psi[/tex] to solve this i use the WKB approach as e<<<1

then after that i treat V as a perturbation and solve it to first and second order...

But what is this good for?..let,s suppose we have a Lagrangian of the form L0+V with the potential then we could add a term NV0 in the Feynman Path-integral, to obtain the K0 propagator we use the development of Taylor of S near its classical solution in the form:

[tex]S[\phi]=S[\phi_{c}]+(1/2)\delta^{2}S[\phi_{c}]\phi^{2}+...[/tex]

then we evaluate this functional integral to calculte K0,for the rest we use perturbation theory to calculate the corrections to first and second order...
 
Last edited:
Solve for the [itex]NV_0[/itex] and then use perturbation theory for the other potential...
 
Seems to me that more info is required. WKB is great, but not always valid. Can one solve with either potential; maybe one could solve exacly with both -- two square wells. Do you have a specific problem in mind? Are you talking bound states or scattering, or perhaps both? Given the magnitudes involved, will first order perturbation theory work? (One solvable case is a 1/r potential, with a very large angular momentum, with n=L*(L+1) so the effective potential is (-)q*q/r + n/(r*r), a good test case.

Regards,
Reilly Atkinson



Regards,
Reilly Atkinson
 

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