Solving Schrodinger's Eqn for Quantum Ring: Boundary Conditions?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the boundary conditions for solving Schrödinger's equation in the context of a quantum ring. Participants explore the implications of various boundary conditions on the wavefunction and its properties, focusing on theoretical aspects of quantum mechanics.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant proposes boundary conditions for the wavefunction, suggesting that Ψ(0) = Ψ(2π) and Ψ(0) = 0, leading to a specific form of the wavefunction.
  • Another participant challenges the assumption that Ψ(0) = 0 is a valid boundary condition, arguing that it excludes cosine behavior in the wavefunction.
  • A different participant introduces the concept of a quantum ring, describing it as a quantum wire shaped into a loop.
  • Another participant emphasizes the importance of periodicity as a boundary condition, stating that Ψ(Φ) must equal Ψ(Φ + 2π).
  • It is noted that the periodicity of the derivative of the wavefunction is also a necessary boundary condition.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express disagreement regarding the appropriateness of the boundary condition Ψ(0) = 0, with some supporting periodicity and differentiability as essential conditions. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the completeness and correctness of the proposed boundary conditions.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not reached a consensus on the boundary conditions, and there are unresolved implications regarding the behavior of the wavefunction based on different assumptions.

Haxx0rm4ster
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When solving Schrödinger's eqn for a quantum ring, what would be the boundary conditions?

The solution (polar) should be
Ψ(Φ) = A exp(ikΦ) + B exp(-ikΦ)

And I believe the boundary conditions are
Ψ(0) = Ψ(2pi)
Ψ(0) = A + B
Ψ(2pi) = A exp(ik*2π) + B exp(ik*2π)


and I suppose I can safely say that
Ψ(0) = 0

From these conditions/assumptions,
k = n, n = 1,2,3...
B = -A,

And therefore
Ψ(Φ) = A exp(inΦ) - A exp(-inΦ)

Which can be expressed as
Ψ(Φ) = 2Ai sin(nΦ)

I'm just wondering, are my boundary condition assumptions complete and correct?

Thanks
 
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No the phi(0) = 0 boundary condition is not a good one. This eliminates and cosine behavior in the wavefunction. Your second boundary condition is that the wavefunction be continuously differentiable.
 
Hey, sorry to hijack your thread but what's a quantum ring? I'm curious.
 
By quantum ring, I'm referring to something like a quantum wire looped around in the shape of a ring.
 
The correct boundary condition is periodicity: Ψ(Φ) = Ψ(Φ+2π).
 
Which he already used, so the periodicity of the derivative is the other boundary condition.
 

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