Time evolution of a particle in an ISW after the well

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the time evolution of a particle in an Infinite Square Well (ISW) after the well's width doubles from 'a' to '2a'. Initially, the particle is in the ground state of the half-width well, represented by the wave function |P(0)>=Integrate[Sqrt[2/a] Sin[3.1415... x/a], {x,0,a}] |x>. The evolution operator is defined as |P(t)>=Exp[-i E t/hbar] |P(0)>. Participants express confusion regarding the new energy eigenstate wavefunctions for the expanded well and the expected spreading of the wave function over time.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Quantum Mechanics concepts, specifically Infinite Square Wells (ISW).
  • Familiarity with wave functions and their time evolution in quantum systems.
  • Knowledge of the Schrödinger equation and energy eigenstates.
  • Basic proficiency in mathematical integration and trigonometric functions.
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  • Research the energy eigenstates of an Infinite Square Well with width '2a'.
  • Study the time evolution of wave functions in quantum mechanics.
  • Learn about the concept of wave function spreading in quantum systems.
  • Explore the implications of the Schrödinger equation in time-dependent scenarios.
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Students and professionals in quantum mechanics, particularly those studying wave functions and time evolution in quantum systems, as well as educators teaching concepts related to Infinite Square Wells.

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Homework Statement



How does the state of a particle in an ISW evolve with time after the width of the well doubles - from a to 2a
If the particle starts in the ground state of the half width well, then immediately after the well doubles it will be undisturbed therefore the initial wave function is
|P(0)>=Integrate[Sqrt[2/a] Sin[3.1415... x/a], {x,0,a}] |x>
THe evolution operator is
|P(t)>=Exp[-i E t/hbar] |P(0)>

Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution


Does this mean that the solution is just stitching those two equations together? I plotted it and it came out that the solution just went up and down in the half well (or, if I changed the integration limits, it came out at just the second excited state of the full well).
I was under the impression that some sort of spreading had to occur, but I'm not sure how to get it...
 
Last edited:
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What are the new energy eigenstate wavefunctions for the expanded well? These become the states that have a simple time evolution.

[EDIT: I don't understand this expression: |P(0)>=Integrate[Sqrt[2/a] Sin[3.1415... x/a], {x,0,a}] |x>]
 
Last edited:

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