How to arrive at Bessel function solution to 1D polynomial potential

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on deriving the Bessel function solution for the differential equation \(u'' + c x^n u = 0\) in the context of quantum mechanics. The solution is expressed as \(u = A \sqrt{\eta k} J_{\pm m}(\eta)\), where \(m = \frac{1}{{n + 2}}\), \(k^2 = c x^n\), and \(\eta = \int_0^x dx' k(x')\). Participants emphasize the importance of a change of variables, specifically \(x^{n/2} = t\), to transform the original ordinary differential equation (ODE) into the standard Bessel form.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of ordinary differential equations (ODEs)
  • Familiarity with Bessel functions and their properties
  • Knowledge of quantum mechanics principles, particularly WKB approximation
  • Experience with variable substitution techniques in differential equations
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of Bessel functions from differential equations
  • Learn about the WKB approximation and its applications in quantum mechanics
  • Explore the Bohr-Sommerfeld quantization condition in detail
  • Investigate variable substitution methods for solving ODEs
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Students and researchers in quantum mechanics, mathematicians focusing on differential equations, and physicists interested in the applications of Bessel functions in potential problems.

Peeter
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My quantum text, leading up to the connection formulas for WKB and the Bohr-Sommerfeld quantization condition states that for

[tex]\begin{align}u'' + c x^n u = 0 \end{align}[/tex]

one finds that one solution is

[tex]\begin{align}u &= A \sqrt{\eta k} J_{\pm m}(\eta) \\ m &= \frac{1}{{n + 2}} \\ k^2 &= c x^n \\ \eta &= \int_0^x dx' k(x')\end{align}[/tex]

I'd like to know how this was arrived at. Could somebody outline what set of change of variables would one make to put the differential equation above into the standard Bessel differential form?
 
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Try first a change of variables xn/2 = t. Compute the ODE in terms of u(t) then.
 

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