The boundary condition for ##\delta## function

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the boundary conditions associated with the Schrödinger equation for multiple particles interacting via a δ-function potential. Participants explore the implications of these boundary conditions on the derivatives of the wave function and the interpretation of variables involved in the integration process.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents the Schrödinger equation and proposes a boundary condition involving derivatives of the wave function at points where particles coincide.
  • Another participant questions the origin of the terms in the boundary condition, specifically the subtraction of derivatives with respect to different coordinates.
  • A participant acknowledges a missed term in their previous explanation and clarifies that the boundary condition indicates a finite discontinuity in the derivative for each particle.
  • Some participants express confusion about the treatment of the variable \(x_k\) in the context of integration and derivatives, questioning whether it should be considered as a variable or a fixed number.
  • One participant attempts to clarify that the boundary condition evaluates the wave function at \(x_k\) and emphasizes the importance of approaching this point from both sides to understand the discontinuity in the derivative.
  • Another participant asserts that the derivative with respect to \(x_k\) is not relevant in the boundary condition, arguing that the integration focuses on the second derivative with respect to \(x_i\).

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the interpretation of the boundary condition and the role of the variable \(x_k\). There is no consensus on the treatment of derivatives or the implications of the boundary condition, indicating ongoing debate and uncertainty.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight the need for careful limit considerations when approaching the boundary, as well as the potential for different outcomes based on the direction of approach. The discussion reflects unresolved mathematical steps and varying interpretations of the terms involved.

Pring
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Beginning with the Schrödinger equation for N particles in one dimension interacting via a δ-function potential

##(-\sum_{1}^{N}\frac{\partial^2}{\partial x_i^2}+2c\sum_{<i,j>}\delta(x_i-x_j))\psi=E\psi##

The boundary condition equivalent to the ##\delta## function potential is

##\left(\frac{\partial}{\partial x_j}-\frac{\partial}{\partial x_k}\right)\psi |_{x_j=x_{k+}}-\left(\frac{\partial}{\partial x_j}-\frac{\partial}{\partial x_k}\right)\psi |_{x_j=x_{k-}}=2c\psi |_{x_j=x_k}.##

Integrate ##\int_{x_k-\varepsilon}^{x_k+\varepsilon}##, here, ##x_k## is a integrate limit. Why ##x_k## is considered as a derivative ##\frac{\partial}{\partial x_k}##? It says that we can integrate the ordinate of j's particle with the boundary of k's particle?
 
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I don't see clearly where the two terms you have written appear from. The integral you have to solve is:

[tex]\int_{-\varepsilon}^{\varepsilon}\partial^{2}_{x_{i}}\psi(x_{i})=\partial_{x_{i}}^{+\varepsilon}\psi(x_{i})-\partial_{x_{i}}^{-\varepsilon}\psi(x_{i})[/tex]
so I don't clearly see where the substraction of the other coordinate in the derivative comes from. What do you mean by saying that [tex]x_{k}[/tex] is considered asa derivative?
 
I missed to add a [tex]x_{k}[/tex] summing the [tex]\varepsilon[/tex], but what this condition is saying is that there is a finite discontinuity in the derivative for the ith particle (and for every of them).
 
gonadas91 said:
I don't see clearly where the two terms you have written appear from. The integral you have to solve is:

[tex]\int_{-\varepsilon}^{\varepsilon}\partial^{2}_{x_{i}}\psi(x_{i})=\partial_{x_{i}}^{+\varepsilon}\psi(x_{i})-\partial_{x_{i}}^{-\varepsilon}\psi(x_{i})[/tex]
so I don't clearly see where the substraction of the other coordinate in the derivative comes from. What do you mean by saying that [tex]x_{k}[/tex] is considered asa derivative?
We integrate the Schrödinger equation as ##\int_{x_k-\varepsilon}^{x_k+\varepsilon}dx_j##, here ##x_j## is a integrable variable, ##x_k## is a integrable number. The boundary contains one term ##\frac{\partial}{\partial x_k}##, it means that ##x_k## also is a integrable variable or else? How to deduce to this term?
 
Ok, since your function [tex]\psi[/tex] depends on all variables (or coordinates), you boundary condition is evaluating the function at [tex]x_{k}[/tex] (since epsilong tends to zero, but you have to take the limits carefully, in fact this condition is talking about a discontinuity in the derivative, so the answer is different if you approach xk by the left or the right.) The boundary doesn't contain the derivative respect to xk, since you are integrating the second derivative respect to xi, so the answer (the integral) is the first derivative respect to xi evaluated at xk in two different limits. I hop this can help a bit.
 
gonadas91 said:
Ok, since your function [tex]\psi[/tex] depends on all variables (or coordinates), you boundary condition is evaluating the function at [tex]x_{k}[/tex] (since epsilong tends to zero, but you have to take the limits carefully, in fact this condition is talking about a discontinuity in the derivative, so the answer is different if you approach xk by the left or the right.) The boundary doesn't contain the derivative respect to xk, since you are integrating the second derivative respect to xi, so the answer (the integral) is the first derivative respect to xi evaluated at xk in two different limits. I hop this can help a bit.
I think ##\frac{\partial}{\partial x_k}## is inexistent, no reason for a integrable numerical value to be a variable.
 

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