Integrating the time-indepdent Schrodinger equation

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on solving the time-independent Schrödinger equation for a particle in a one-dimensional Dirac delta-function potential, specifically V(x) = -\frac{\hbar^2}{m}\alpha\delta(x). The integration of the equation reveals that the derivative of the eigenfunction φ(x) is discontinuous at x=0, with the jump quantified as 2αψ(0) = Δ(∂ψ/∂x). Ultimately, the energy eigenvalue is determined to be E = -\frac{\hbar^2\alpha^2}{2m}. The solution process is aligned with the methodology presented in "Introduction to Quantum Mechanics".

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the time-independent Schrödinger equation
  • Familiarity with Dirac delta functions in quantum mechanics
  • Knowledge of eigenvalues and eigenfunctions in quantum systems
  • Basic calculus, particularly integration techniques
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the properties of Dirac delta functions in quantum mechanics
  • Learn about boundary conditions and their implications on wave functions
  • Explore the concept of discontinuities in quantum mechanical wave functions
  • Review the derivation of energy eigenvalues in potential wells
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for physics students, particularly those studying quantum mechanics, as well as educators and researchers focusing on quantum systems involving delta-function potentials.

wrldt
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Homework Statement



A particle of mass m is confined to move in a one-dimensional and Diract delta-function attractive potential V(x)=-\frac{\hbar^2}{m}\alpha\delta(x) where \alpha is positive.

Integrate eh time-independent Schrödinger equation between -\epsilon and \epsilon. Let \epsilon\to 0, show that the derivative of the eigenfunction \phi(x) is discontinuous at x=0, and determine its jump at the point.

Homework Equations


\frac{\hbar^2}{2m}\frac{\partial^2 \psi}{\partial x^2}-V(x)\psi=E\psi

The Attempt at a Solution



First I want to determine if I am approaching the problem correctly.
First we have:
\int\limits_{-\epsilon}^{\epsilon}-\frac{\hbar^2}{2m}\frac{\partial^2 \psi}{\partial x^2}+\int\limits_{-\epsilon}^{\epsilon}\frac{\hbar^2}{m}\alpha\delta(x)\psi=\int\limits_{-\epsilon}^{\epsilon}E\psi.
Then this simplifies to
\int\limits_{-\epsilon}^{\epsilon}\frac{\hbar^2}{m}\alpha\delta\psi=\int\limits_{-\epsilon}^{\epsilon}\frac{\hbar^2}{2m}\frac{\partial^2 \psi}{\partial x^2}
Further simplifying
2\alpha\int\limits_{-\epsilon}^{\epsilon}\delta(x)\psi(x)=\frac{\partial \psi}{\partial x}\bigg|_{-\epsilon}^{\epsilon}

The last equation shows that as $\epsilon \to 0$, the right hand side will tend to zero but the left hand side will explode. I'm wondering if my work sufficiently shows this.

The part I am stuck on is showing what its jump is at x=0.
 
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wrldt said:
2\alpha\int\limits_{-\epsilon}^{\epsilon}\delta(x)\psi(x)=\frac{\partial \psi}{\partial x}\bigg|_{-\epsilon}^{\epsilon}

Your work up to here looks very good.

The last equation shows that as ##\epsilon \to 0##, the right hand side will tend to zero but the left hand side will explode. I'm wondering if my work sufficiently shows this.

Here's where you need to think some more about what you're getting. The left hand side does not explode. What does integrating over the delta function give you for any finite ##\epsilon##? Then let ##\epsilon## → 0. Similarly for the right hand side.
 
Last edited:
2\alpha\int\limits_{-\epsilon}^{\epsilon}\delta(x)\psi(x)=\frac{\partial \psi}{\partial x}\bigg|_{-\epsilon}^{\epsilon}

This simplies to something like 2\alpha\psi(0)=\Delta\left(\frac{\partial \psi}{\partial x}\right).

After some work I believe this simplies down to k=\alpha

So now our E=-\frac{\hbar^2\alpha^2}{2m}.

I'm basically following the process that is going on on p. 71-72 of Introduction to Quantum Mechanics.
 
Last edited:

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