I need a book to solve Schrodinger's eqn numerically

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on finding a comprehensive book for numerically solving the Schrödinger equation without approximations or special techniques like Hartree-Fock. Participants suggest various numerical methods such as the Finite Element Method (FEM), Finite Difference Method (FDM), and Finite Volume Method (FVM) as potential avenues for exploration. They also mention the limitations of digital computers, which necessitate approximations in numerical solutions. Notable book recommendations include "Methods of Molecular Quantum Mechanics" by R. McWeeny and a reference from Demtroder on spectral data.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the Schrödinger equation
  • Familiarity with numerical methods: Finite Element Method (FEM), Finite Difference Method (FDM), Finite Volume Method (FVM)
  • Basic knowledge of quantum mechanics and molecular quantum mechanics
  • Awareness of computational limitations in numerical analysis
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the Finite Element Method (FEM) for solving partial differential equations
  • Explore the book "Methods of Molecular Quantum Mechanics" by R. McWeeny for insights on molecular calculations
  • Investigate density functional theory (DFT) as an alternative approach to solving the Schrödinger equation
  • Examine quantum Monte Carlo methods for numerical solutions in quantum mechanics
USEFUL FOR

Researchers, physicists, and students in quantum mechanics, particularly those interested in numerical methods for solving the Schrödinger equation without approximations.

jonjacson
Messages
450
Reaction score
38
I have found this one that looks perfect:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/331999929X/?tag=pfamazon01-20

THe problem is that it has not been published yet :( , but I can't believe there is no other book on the subject. What I want is to solve numerically the Schrödinger equation with no special techniques, no hartree fock or things like that, I want the whole equation without neglecting anything or aproximating anything.
Do you know any book that explains this and that has been already published?

Thanks
 
Physics news on Phys.org
There are many methods for the numerical solving of partial differential equations and specifically of linear PDEs (such as the Schrödinger equation) like the Finite Element Method (FEM) the Finite Difference Method (FDM) and the Finite Volume Method (FVM). Not sure which method is the best for shcrodinger equation, but you could search for books for these methods and see if any book offers special treatment for the Schrödinger equation.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: jonjacson
jonjacson said:
What I want is to solve numerically the Schrödinger equation with no special techniques, no hartree fock or things like that, I want the whole equation without neglecting anything or aproximating anything.
That's impossible. Simply the fact that computers are digital machines that can only work with a finite set of discrete numbers and a finite number of operations means that you'll have to do some approximations at one point.

There are many different numerical approaches that one can use to solve the Schrödinger equation depending on the situation. What is it exactly you would like to calculate?
 
DrClaude said:
That's impossible. Simply the fact that computers are digital machines that can only work with a finite set of discrete numbers and a finite number of operations means that you'll have to do some approximations at one point.

There are many different numerical approaches that one can use to solve the Schrödinger equation depending on the situation. What is it exactly you would like to calculate?

There is a book from Demtroder that shows spectral data on the elements, I would like to be able to calculate this data, what is the spatial distribution of the electrons on complex atoms etc
 
DrClaude said:
That's impossible. Simply the fact that computers are digital machines that can only work with a finite set of discrete numbers and a finite number of operations means that you'll have to do some approximations at one point.

There are many different numerical approaches that one can use to solve the Schrödinger equation depending on the situation. What is it exactly you would like to calculate?

I know, but I did not mean that.

What I meant is that in the Hartree Fock model you approximate orbitals by spherical shapes, and then you calculate atom properties. I don't want to neglect the fact that real orbitals are not spherical. I hope now you understand what I mean.
 
I would welcome more replies, thanks!
 
jonjacson said:
What I meant is that in the Hartree Fock model you approximate orbitals by spherical shapes
This is not what Hartree-Fock is. The basic idea is simply that you transform the multi-electron problem into series of single-electron ones, while considering the potential energy due to the other electrons. There is no requirement for the field created by the other electrons to be spherical. (Note that in the absence of external fields, you expect the total electron distribution to be isotropic.)

I know of an older book, Methods of Molecular Quantum Mechanics by R. McWeeny, that discusses the subject in details (focussing more on molecules than atoms, as the title implies). There may be newer references that are more up to date. You may also look into completely different approaches, such as density functional theory or quantum Monte Carlo. I found the following after a quick search, which may be useful to you: https://arxiv.org/pdf/1008.2369.pdf
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: jonjacson
DrClaude said:
This is not what Hartree-Fock is. The basic idea is simply that you transform the multi-electron problem into series of single-electron ones, while considering the potential energy due to the other electrons. There is no requirement for the field created by the other electrons to be spherical. (Note that in the absence of external fields, you expect the total electron distribution to be isotropic.)

I know of an older book, Methods of Molecular Quantum Mechanics by R. McWeeny, that discusses the subject in details (focussing more on molecules than atoms, as the title implies). There may be newer references that are more up to date. You may also look into completely different approaches, such as density functional theory or quantum Monte Carlo. I found the following after a quick search, which may be useful to you: https://arxiv.org/pdf/1008.2369.pdf

Thanks, I will have a look.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
4K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
4K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
6K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
3K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
9K