Angular momentum operator eigenvalues in HO potential.

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding wave functions for a particle in a three-dimensional harmonic oscillator potential that are eigenstates of the angular momentum operator Lz with specific eigenvalues. Participants are exploring the relationship between these eigenstates and their corresponding eigenenergies, as well as the normalization of the wave functions in spherical coordinates.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the eigen-problem for the Lz operator and the implications of including the harmonic oscillator potential. There is a suggestion to solve the radial equation for the harmonic oscillator potential and combine it with the angular part of the wavefunction. Questions arise about the complexity of the problem and the approach to take.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants providing suggestions on how to tackle the problem. Some guidance has been offered regarding the use of separation of variables and the need to solve the Schrödinger equation. There is an acknowledgment of the challenge posed by the homework question.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the difficulty of the problem and the need to work from first principles, indicating that it is a homework assignment with specific requirements regarding eigenstates and normalization.

Zaknife
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Homework Statement


Find wave functions of the states of a particle in a harmonic oscillator potential
that are eigenstates of Lz operator with eigenvalues -1 h , 0, 1 h and have smallest possible eigenenergies. Check whether these states are also the eigenstates of L^2 operator. Eventually, write the wave functions using spherical coordinates and normalize independently
their radial and angular parts.

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


I know that solution of eigen-problem for $L_{z}$ operator is:
psi(\theta, \phi)= P(\theta) e^{im\phi}
But i don't know how to include harmonic oscillator potential into this problem. I already proved that eigenstates of Lz are also eigenstates of L^2. Thanks for any advice !
 
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Zaknife said:
that are eigenstates of Lz operator with eigenvalues -1 h , 0, 1 h and have smallest possible eigenenergies. Check whether these states are also the eigenstates of L^2 operator. Eventually, write the wave functions using spherical coordinates and normalize independently their radial and angular parts.

This suggests that the question is about about a 3d isotropic harmonic oscillator. The solutions might looks similar to the hydrogenic atom, but be careful. Were you set this as homework? Its pretty difficult to do something like this from first principles...
 
Yes it's my homework actually. So the suggestion is to solve the radial equation, for the HO potential \frac{1}{2}\omega mr^{2}. For l=-1,0,1 and then "combine" it with the angular part of wavefunction for different m values ?
 
You need to solve the Schrödinger equation using the harmonic oscillator potential. Use separation of variables.
 

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