The one-dimensional harmonic oscillator

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on finding a general formula for the integral \(\int_{-\infty}^{\infty} \xi^p H_n(\xi) H_k(\xi) d\xi\), where \(H_n(\xi)\) and \(H_k(\xi)\) are Hermite polynomials and \(p\) is a non-negative integer. The user has successfully derived results for \(p=0\) and \(p=1\) but seeks guidance for general \(p\). Key references include "Handbook of Mathematical Functions" by Abramowitz and Stegun, and "Table of Integrals, Series and Products" by Gradshteyn and Ryzhik, both of which are essential for integral calculations involving Hermite polynomials.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Hermite polynomials
  • Familiarity with integral calculus
  • Knowledge of quantum mechanics principles related to harmonic oscillators
  • Experience with mathematical references such as Abramowitz and Stegun
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the properties of Hermite polynomials and their integrals
  • Study integration techniques, particularly integration by parts
  • Explore the use of Wolfram Functions for mathematical computations
  • Review the "Table of Integrals, Series and Products" for related integral formulas
USEFUL FOR

Physicists, mathematicians, and students studying quantum mechanics or mathematical physics, particularly those working with harmonic oscillators and Hermite polynomials.

eys_physics
Messages
268
Reaction score
72
Dealing with the one-dimensional harmonic oscillator I'm trying to find a general formula for
<br /> \int_{-\infty}^{\infty} \xi^p H_n(\xi) H_k(\xi) d\xi<br />
there H_n(\xi) and H_k(\xi) are hermite polynomials and p is an integer ( p\geq 0).
I can found the answer for p=0 and p=1 but I can't find the formula for a general p so I need some hint how to do it.
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
eys_physics said:
Dealing with the one-dimensional harmonic oscillator I'm trying to find a general formula for
<br /> \int_{-\infty}^{\infty} \xi^p H_n(\xi) H_k(\xi) d\xi<br />
there H_n(\xi) and H_k(\xi) are hermite polynomials and p is an integer ( p\geq 0).
I can found the answer for p=0 and p=1 but I can't find the formula for a general p so I need some hint how to do it.


I can't give you any hint,just the result:
http://functions.wolfram.com/PDF/HermiteH.pdf
 
I think it's much more that in Abramowitz-Stegun.
 
Hey
Can you tell me that you mean with Aramowitz-Stegun?
 
eys_physics said:
Hey
Can you tell me that you mean with Aramowitz-Stegun?

It's "Milton Abramowitz and Irene A.Segun:<<Handbook of Mathematical Functions>>,Dover Publications Inc.,NewYork".Any edition.Famous book among physicists.
A better book for the integrals part is obviously:
"I.S.Gradshteyn/I.M.Ryzhik:<<Table of Integrals,Series and Products>>,Corrected and Enlarged Edition,Academic Press Inc.,1980".Also famous.

But it's much easier with the "functions.wolfram.com" website.
I think it's free...
 
Hey, I doubt that is the integral you wish to calculate for in dealing with the oscilator in QM you always have a gaussian in there as the weighing function. Anyway, try integrating by parts...
 
Last edited:

Similar threads

  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
4K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
4K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
4K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K