Integrating Laguerre Polynomials - Fine structure hydrogen

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating fine structure energy corrections for the hydrogen atom using Laguerre polynomials. Specifically, the integral involving the expectation value for (R,R/r^m) is examined, where R represents the solution of the radial part of the Schrödinger equation. The integral for m=1 is straightforward due to the normalization of Laguerre polynomials, while the cases for m=2 and m=3 present significant challenges. The user seeks assistance in solving these more complex integrals using the generating function of Laguerre polynomials.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Laguerre polynomials and their properties
  • Familiarity with the Schrödinger equation in quantum mechanics
  • Knowledge of integral calculus, particularly in the context of expectation values
  • Experience with generating functions in mathematical analysis
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  • Research the properties and applications of Laguerre polynomials in quantum mechanics
  • Study techniques for solving integrals involving special functions
  • Learn about the generating functions of Laguerre polynomials and their derivations
  • Explore advanced topics in quantum mechanics related to fine structure corrections
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Students and researchers in quantum mechanics, particularly those focusing on atomic physics and the mathematical methods used in solving quantum systems.

sebhofer
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Hi

I have the following problem:
To calculate the fine structure energy corrections for the hydrogen atom, one has to calculate the expectation value for (R,R/r^m), where R is the solution of the radial part of the schroedinger equation (i.e. essentially associated laguerre polynomial) and m=1,2,3.
[tex]\int_{0}^{\infty} {dx} {(\mathrm{L}_n^k)}^2e^{-x}x^{k+1-m}[/tex]
Solving the integral for n=1 is easy because the laguerre polynomials are normalised that way.
For m=2,3 it is much harder. I have already spent a few hours trying to get a solution by using the generating function of the laguerre polynomials, but no luck yet. Can anybody give me a hint how to do it?

Thx
Sebastian

Edit:
Can anybody tell me how to post latex in this forum pls. Sorry for my stupidity, but I just don't get it.
Edit 2: Thx for the help on latex Statuts X. Added integral to the post.
 
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