Quantum harmonical oscillator with electric field

In summary, the conversation discusses finding a change of variables from x to u in order to solve the eigenvalue equation for a particle in a harmonic oscillator potential and constant electric field. The Hamiltonian is given and a suggestion is made to complete the square on the last 2 terms to make the transformation clearer.
  • #1
Chen
977
1
Hi,

I have a particle of mass m and charge q, which is located in the potential of an harmonic oscillator and also subject to a constant electric field. The Hamiltonian is given as:

[tex]H = \frac{p^2}{2m} + \frac{1}{2}m \omega ^2 x^2 - q E' x[/tex]

And I need to find a change of variables from x to u, so that the eigenvalue equation:

[tex]H \phi (x) = E \phi (x)[/tex]

Becomes:

[tex][-\frac{h^2}{2m}\frac{d^2}{du^2}+\frac{1}{2}m \omega ^2u^2] \phi (u) = (E + \frac{q^2 E'^2}{2m \omega ^2}) \phi (u)[/tex]

(It's an h-bar there, of course.) I don't even know where to start. I tried plugging u(x) into the original eigenvalue equation and find some constraint on u from there, to no avail.

Thanks
 
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  • #2
Complete the square on the last 2 terms in the Hamiltonian, and the transformation might become a bit more obvious.

Regards,
George
 
  • #3
Doh... thanks! :smile:
 

1. What is a quantum harmonic oscillator with electric field?

A quantum harmonic oscillator with electric field is a theoretical model used in quantum mechanics to study the behavior of a charged particle in a harmonic potential well in the presence of an external electric field. It is often used to understand the behavior of electrons in atoms or molecules.

2. How does the electric field affect the behavior of the quantum harmonic oscillator?

The electric field alters the potential energy of the oscillator, causing it to shift and change its oscillation frequency. This results in changes to the energy levels and wavefunctions of the oscillator, which can provide insights into the behavior of particles in electric fields.

3. What is the significance of studying the quantum harmonic oscillator with electric field?

Studying this model helps us understand the behavior of particles in electric fields, which is crucial in fields such as atomic and molecular physics, as well as in the development of technologies such as transistors and lasers.

4. How is the quantum harmonic oscillator with electric field different from a classical harmonic oscillator?

In classical mechanics, a harmonic oscillator follows a predictable and continuous path, while in quantum mechanics, the oscillator can only have discrete energy levels and its position and momentum are described by wavefunctions. Additionally, the electric field affects the potential energy in a quantum harmonic oscillator, whereas it does not in a classical oscillator.

5. What are some real-world applications of the quantum harmonic oscillator with electric field?

This model is used in many areas of modern technology, including in the development of semiconductors, lasers, and quantum computers. It is also used in understanding the behavior of electrons in atoms and molecules, which is crucial in fields such as chemistry and materials science.

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