Homework Help: Finding the probability density function given the eigenfunction

1. Mar 5, 2014

ypal

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data

I need to find the probability density function given the eigenfunction

2. Relevant equations

$\psi=C\exp^({\frac{ipx}{\hbar}-\frac{x^2}{2a^2}})$

3. The attempt at a solution

I tried to square the function but that gave me a nasty integral that I could not solve. I also tried to factorise the index so I could've used change of variables for the Gaussian integral. I haven't come across such a question before so I am not quite sure what to do. Please help me.
Cheers

2. Mar 5, 2014

vanhees71

The probability density is given by
$$P(x)=|\psi(x)|^2.$$
Here $\psi$ is the wave function of the particle. Calculate this square, and you'll find a pretty well-known probability distribution!

3. Mar 5, 2014

ypal

I've realised my mistake...face palm -_- Thanks! But I can't make progress at this point.
Edit: I need the integral to find the normalisation constant, not for the actual density function. The thing that worries me is the x^2 and x term being together at the index.

Last edited: Mar 5, 2014
4. Mar 5, 2014

strangerep

Show details of your attempt to perform the integral.

5. Mar 6, 2014

ypal

Hey Guys!
I've made some progress and everything looks neat. It turns out the imaginary part vanishes when the function is squared(due to its conjugate). If someone could verify my work I'd appreciate it. Thanks!
$\psi=C\exp^({\frac{ipx}{\hbar}-\frac{x^2}{2a^2}})$
$|\psi(x)|^2=C^2 exp^{\frac{ipx}{\hbar}-\frac{x^2}{2a^2}} . exp^{\frac{-ipx}{\hbar}-\frac{x^2}{2a^2}}$
$|\psi(x)|^2=C^2 exp^{-\frac{x^2}{a^2}}$
Let $\beta=\frac{1}{a^2}$, $|\psi(x)|^2=C^2 exp^{-\beta x^2}$

Now I need to integrate this from $-\infty$ to $\infty$ and equate to 1 in order to find the normalisation constant.
$C^{2}\int_{-\infty}^{\infty} exp^{-\beta x^2}=1$
$C^{2}\sqrt{\frac{\pi}{\beta}}=1$
$C^{2}=\sqrt{\frac{\beta}{\pi}}→ C=\frac{1}{\sqrt{a}\pi^{\frac{1}{4}}}$

I am new to Latex...so I'm trying my best :D