Proving a complex wave satisfies Helmholtz equation

[Matt Chu]

Homework Statement

Consider a harmonic wave given by

$$\Psi (x, t) = U(x, y, z) e^{-i \omega t}$$

where $U(x, y, z)$ is called the complex amplitude. Show that $U$ satisfies the Helmholtz equation:

$$ (\nabla + k^2) U (x, y, z) = 0 $$

Homework Equations

Everything important already in the problem.

The Attempt at a Solution

[/B]
The first thing I attempted to do was to express $U$ in terms of $\Psi$ and $e^{-i \omega t}$. This led me to a long set of derivations that in no way gave me anything remotely close to zero. I'm confused as to how to solve this, as the $k$ component of the Helmholtz equation seems to be problematic; it seems the only way to prove that the whole expression equals zero would be if $U = 0$.

 

[BvU]

Hello Matt,

How do you make use of the given that $\Psi$ is a harmonic wave ? What equation does $\Psi$ satisfy ?

 

[Matt Chu]

Hello Matt,

How do you make use of the given that $\Psi$ is a harmonic wave ? What equation does $\Psi$ satisfy ?

Yeah, just figured that out a few minutes ago.

 

[BvU]

Good! makes it an easy exercise.