Two dimensional asymmetric harmonic oscillator

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In a two-dimensional asymmetric harmonic oscillator, the potential is defined as V = 1/2m(Omegax)x^2 + 1/2m(Omegay)y^2. The energy expression for the system is given by E = (Nx + 1/2)hbarOmegax + (Ny + 1/2)hbarOmegay when Omegax and Omegay are not equal. This formulation arises from considering separable solutions of the wave function, expressed as ψ(x,y) = X(x)Y(y). The discussion confirms that the proposed energy equation is indeed correct. Understanding these principles is crucial for solving problems related to asymmetric harmonic oscillators.
JackPunchedJi
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Let's say I have a 2D harmonic oscillator:

Homework Statement


The potential is of course defined by: V = 1/2m(Omegax)x^2 + 1/2m(Omegay)y^2

Homework Equations



Generally when doing a harmonic oscillator we find that in two dimensions the energy is just:

(Nx+Ny+1)hbarOmega is the energy.

How does this change when the Omegax and Omegay are not equal?

The Attempt at a Solution



Do we simply get the energy as...

E = (Nx+1/2)hbarOmegax + (Ny+1/2)hhbarOmegay ?

That would seem logical, but would like the clarification.
 
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Your intuition is correct. You can work it out by considering a separable solution of the form \psi(x,y)= X(x)Y(y).
 

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