Schrodinger Equation for a central 2D potential

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on solving the Schrödinger equation for a central 2D potential, specifically with a potential distribution defined as V(r) = 0 for r < a and V(r) = ∞ for r > a. The user successfully applies a change of variables in 3D but encounters difficulties in 2D due to the different form of the Laplacian. The bound states in this scenario are represented by Bessel functions, specifically ψ = J_m(kr)cos(mθ), with energy levels determined by the condition J_m(ka) = 0.

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EliotHijano
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Hello,
I would like to ask something about central potentials. When I am working in 3D, I haven´t got any problem solving the Schrödinger equation since I use the following change of variables:
[tex]-\frac{\hbar^{2}}{2m}\nabla^{2}\Psi+V(r)\Psi=E\Psi[/tex]
[tex]\Psi=\frac{\chi}{r}[/tex]
With this change of variables, I can solve and understand the equation, but when I am working in 2D( usig r and [tex]\varphi[/tex]) I can't solve the equation because the laplacian is different. The concrete potential distribution I want to study is the following:
[tex]V(\vec{r})=0 \stackrel{if}{\rightarrow} r<a[/tex]
[tex]V(\vec{r})=\infty \stackrel{if}{\rightarrow} r>a[/tex]
And I would like to solve the equation for the first and the second energy levels of the system. I would appreciate some tips, thank you.
 
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It's not as easy as 3D. The bound states are Bessel functions:
[tex]\psi=J_m(kr)\cos(m\theta)[/tex], with the energy determined by
[tex]J_m(ka)=0[/tex].
 
Thank you very much clem, that will be really useful for me.
 

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