Hamiltonian matrix for two electrons in a 1D infinite well

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on constructing the Hamiltonian matrix for two electrons in a one-dimensional infinite potential well, governed by the Schrödinger equation. The Hamiltonian includes kinetic energy terms represented by the second derivatives of the wave function and a potential energy term accounting for electron-electron interaction. A suggested basis for the Hamiltonian matrix is the single-electron solutions of the infinite well, but caution is advised as perturbation theory may not be applicable if the perturbation is significant compared to the original Hamiltonian terms.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of quantum mechanics, specifically the Schrödinger equation.
  • Familiarity with Hamiltonian mechanics and matrix representation of operators.
  • Knowledge of perturbation theory in quantum mechanics.
  • Concept of wave functions in one-dimensional infinite potential wells.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of the Hamiltonian matrix for two-particle systems in quantum mechanics.
  • Learn about perturbation theory and its limitations in quantum systems.
  • Explore the solutions of the Schrödinger equation for a single electron in a one-dimensional infinite well.
  • Investigate the implications of electron-electron interactions in quantum mechanics.
USEFUL FOR

Students and researchers in quantum mechanics, particularly those studying multi-particle systems and Hamiltonian formulations. This discussion is also beneficial for physicists interested in computational methods for quantum systems.

nothingisreal
Messages
2
Reaction score
0
Hi everyone,
I need help for preparing a Hamiltonian matrix.

What will be the elements of the hamiltonian matrix of the following Schrödinger equation (for two electrons in a 1D infinite well):

-\frac{ħ^{2}}{2m}(\frac{d^{2}ψ(x_1,x_2)}{dx_1^{2}}+\frac{d^{2}ψ(x_1,x_2)}{dx_2^{2}}) + \frac{q}{4πε_0ε_r(x_1-x_2)}ψ(x_1,x_2)=Eψ(x_1,x_2)

Any advice or suggestion would be really helpful for me.

[probably the problem is an intermediate level problem. I mistakenly selected advance level. And, now I can't edit it]

Thank you very much in advance...
:)
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
The matrix elements depend on the choice of basis.

A reasonable choice of basis might be the solution of a single electron in the infinite well, that is considering the infinite well with one electron as the unperturbed problem and the second electron as the addition.

However, perturbation theory doesn't work well when the additional term in the Hamiltonian (the perturbation) can be comparable to or larger than the original terms.

This forum has discussed similar problems before:

https://www.physicsforums.com/threa...f-two-electrons-in-a-1-d-infinite-well.15277/
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: blue_leaf77

Similar threads

  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
10K