A seeming contrdiction in deriving wave function for delta function potential

In summary, the standard solution from Griffiths, section 2.5, says that the eigenfunction for a bound state is given by: \psi (x)=-\alpha \delta (x)
  • #1
kof9595995
679
2
First of all, let me copy the standard solution from Griffiths, section 2.5, just for the sake of clarity.
Potential[tex]V(x) = - \alpha \delta (x)[/tex]

The bound state eigenfunction:
[tex]\psi (x) = \left\{ \begin{array}{l}
B{e^{\kappa x}}{\rm{ (}}x \le 0{\rm{)}} \\
B{e^{ - \kappa x}}{\rm{ (}}x \ge 0{\rm{)}} \\
\end{array} \right.{\rm{ where }}\kappa = \frac{{\sqrt { - 2mE} }}{\hbar }[/tex]
Integrate time independent schrodinger's equation from -infinitesimal to +infinitesimal to get an imposed condition
[tex] - \frac{{{\hbar ^2}}}{{2m}}\int_{ - \varepsilon }^{ + \varepsilon } {\frac{{{d^2}\psi }}{{d{x^2}}}} dx + \int_{ - \varepsilon }^{ + \varepsilon } {V(x)} \psi (x)dx = E\int_{ - \varepsilon }^{ + \varepsilon } {\psi (x)dx} [/tex]
For right hand side, since the we're integrating a finite function in a infinitesimal region
[tex]\int_{ - \varepsilon }^{ + \varepsilon } {\psi (x)dx} = 0[/tex]
So we have
[tex] - \frac{{{\hbar ^2}}}{{2m}}\mathop {\lim }\limits_{\varepsilon \to 0} ({\left. {\frac{{d\psi }}{{dx}}} \right|_{ + \varepsilon }} - {\left. {\frac{{d\psi }}{{dx}}} \right|_{ - \varepsilon }}) = \alpha \psi (0) \Rightarrow - 2B\kappa = - \frac{{2m\alpha }}{{{\hbar ^2}}}B[/tex]
so [tex]\kappa = \frac{{m\alpha }}{{{\hbar ^2}}}[/tex]
and consequently[tex]E = - \frac{{m{\alpha ^2}}}{{2{\hbar ^2}}}[/tex] and [tex]B = \frac{{\sqrt {m\alpha } }}{\hbar }(normalization)[/tex]

And here comes my problem: instead of integrating a infinitesimal region, I tried to integrate the whole x-axis just to check the consistency
[tex] - \frac{{{\hbar ^2}}}{{2m}}\int_{ - \infty }^{ + \infty } {\frac{{{d^2}\psi }}{{d{x^2}}}} dx + \int_{ - \infty }^{ + \infty } {V(x)} \psi (x)dx = E\int_{ - \infty }^{ + \infty } {\psi (x)dx} [/tex]
in which:
[tex]\int_{ - \infty }^{ + \infty } {\psi (x)dx} = \frac{2}{\kappa }[/tex]
[tex] - \frac{{{\hbar ^2}}}{{2m}}\int_{ - \infty }^{ + \infty } {\frac{{{d^2}\psi }}{{d{x^2}}}} dx = - \frac{{{\hbar ^2}}}{{2m}}({\left. {\frac{{d\psi }}{{dx}}} \right|_{ + \infty }} - {\left. {\frac{{d\psi }}{{dx}}} \right|_{ - \infty }}) = 0[/tex]
Finally,
[tex] - \alpha \psi (0) = \frac{{2E}}{\kappa } \Leftrightarrow - \alpha B = \frac{{2E}}{\kappa }[/tex]
Now if we sub in what we've got in the first part, e.g.[tex]\kappa = \frac{{m\alpha }}{{{\hbar ^2}}}[/tex], [tex]E = - \frac{{m{\alpha ^2}}}{{2{\hbar ^2}}}[/tex], [tex]B = \frac{{\sqrt {m\alpha } }}{\hbar }[/tex]
we find
[tex]\frac{{\sqrt {m\alpha } }}{\hbar } = 1[/tex]

This is obviously incorrect, since m and alpha are arbitrary. So where did I get wrong?
 
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  • #2
You forgot the normalization of the wavefunction. The integral you quote should be:
[tex]
\int_{ - \infty }^{ + \infty } {\psi (x)dx} = \frac{2B}{\kappa }
[/tex]
If you do the same trick, you'll just get 1=1 instead of what you have.
 
  • #3
Ah,you're right. Thanks
 

1. What is a delta function potential?

A delta function potential is a type of potential used in quantum mechanics to model a point-like interaction between particles. It is represented by the Dirac delta function, which is a mathematical function that is zero everywhere except at a specific point, where it is infinitely large.

2. What is the wave function for a delta function potential?

The wave function for a delta function potential is derived from the Schrödinger equation, taking into account the delta function potential term. It is a complex-valued function that describes the probability amplitude of a particle in the presence of the potential.

3. How is the wave function for a delta function potential derived?

The wave function for a delta function potential is derived by solving the Schrödinger equation for the specific potential term, which involves using the Dirac delta function. This involves applying boundary conditions and using mathematical techniques like Fourier transforms and Green's functions.

4. What is the significance of a seeming contradiction in deriving the wave function for a delta function potential?

The seeming contradiction arises because the delta function potential is a singular potential, meaning that it becomes infinitely large at a specific point. This leads to difficulties in the mathematical derivation of the wave function, as it involves manipulating infinite quantities. However, through careful mathematical techniques, a consistent and physically meaningful solution can be found.

5. How is a seeming contradiction in deriving the wave function for a delta function potential resolved?

The seeming contradiction is resolved by using mathematical techniques such as regularization, which involves replacing the singular potential with a smooth function that approaches the delta function in the limit. This allows for the manipulation of the potential in a mathematically consistent manner, resulting in a well-defined wave function that accurately describes the particle's behavior in the presence of the delta function potential.

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