Quantum oscillator from position to momentum space

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the transformation of the wave function of a quantum harmonic oscillator from position space to momentum space. The correct substitutions are identified as replacing ##x## with ##p## and ##m \omega## with ##1/m \omega##. The Time-Independent Schrödinger Equation (TISE) in momentum space is derived as $$\left ( \frac{\hbar^2 k^2}{2m} - \frac12 m \omega^2 \frac{d^2}{dk^2} \right ) \psi = E\psi$$. The error in the original derivation is clarified, emphasizing the need to use the correct operators for momentum and position.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of quantum harmonic oscillators
  • Familiarity with the Time-Independent Schrödinger Equation (TISE)
  • Knowledge of wave functions in quantum mechanics
  • Basic concepts of momentum and position space transformations
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of the Time-Independent Schrödinger Equation in momentum space
  • Learn about the role of operators in quantum mechanics, specifically ##P## and ##X##
  • Explore the Wigner phase space formulation for a deeper understanding of quantum states
  • Investigate the implications of the Fourier transform in quantum mechanics
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Quantum physicists, students of quantum mechanics, and researchers interested in the mathematical foundations of quantum harmonic oscillators.

Dazed&Confused
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So I've read you can get the corresponding wave function of a quantum harmonic oscillator in momentum space from position space by making the substitution ##x \to k## and ##m \omega \to 1/m \omega##.

However in deriving the TISE for momentum space, I seem to be making a mistake. In momentum space ##P## acts like ##\hbar k## and ##X## acts like ##i d/dk.##

The TISE is $$\left ( \frac{P^2}{2m} + \frac12 m \omega^2 X^2 \right) \psi = \left ( \frac{\hbar^2 k^2}{2m} - \frac12 m \omega^2 \frac{d^2}{dk^2} \right ) \psi = E\psi. $$

Therefore $$\psi'' + \frac{2}{m \omega^2} \left ( E - \frac{\hbar^2 k^2}{2m} \right) = 0.$$

The equivalent equation in position space is $$\psi'' + \frac{2m}{\hbar^2} \left ( E -\frac12 m\omega^2x^2 \right ) \psi = 0.$$

I'm not sure what I'm doing wrong. Edit: incorrect operators, can be deleted.
 
Last edited:
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It's not ##x\to k##, it's ##x\to p##. So replace ##P## with ##p## and ##X## with ##i\hbar d/dp##, and see what you get.
 

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