What Are the Eigenstates and Energies of the Quantum Harmonic Oscillator?

atomicpedals
Messages
202
Reaction score
7

Homework Statement



Consider the Hamiltonian

H=\frac{p^2}{2M}+\frac{1}{2}\omega^2r^2-\omega_z L_z

Determine its eigenstates and energies.

2. The attempt at a solution

I want to check my comprehension; by eigenstate they mean

\psi(r)
from the good old

H\psi(r)=E\psi(r)
and then the energies would then be solutions for E?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
To sort of answer my own question the eigenstates would more properly probably be
|\psi>
in
H|\psi>=E|\psi>
 
It's a three-dimensional problem, so the wave function will be a function of r, θ, and φ.
 
Ah, right. (and just as I was getting comfortable in 2D)
 
Convert L_z and p to spherical coordinates and separate variables just like in the H-atom case, or the isotropic 3D oscillator.
 
Thread 'Need help understanding this figure on energy levels'
This figure is from "Introduction to Quantum Mechanics" by Griffiths (3rd edition). It is available to download. It is from page 142. I am hoping the usual people on this site will give me a hand understanding what is going on in the figure. After the equation (4.50) it says "It is customary to introduce the principal quantum number, ##n##, which simply orders the allowed energies, starting with 1 for the ground state. (see the figure)" I still don't understand the figure :( Here is...
Thread 'Understanding how to "tack on" the time wiggle factor'
The last problem I posted on QM made it into advanced homework help, that is why I am putting it here. I am sorry for any hassle imposed on the moderators by myself. Part (a) is quite easy. We get $$\sigma_1 = 2\lambda, \mathbf{v}_1 = \begin{pmatrix} 0 \\ 0 \\ 1 \end{pmatrix} \sigma_2 = \lambda, \mathbf{v}_2 = \begin{pmatrix} 1/\sqrt{2} \\ 1/\sqrt{2} \\ 0 \end{pmatrix} \sigma_3 = -\lambda, \mathbf{v}_3 = \begin{pmatrix} 1/\sqrt{2} \\ -1/\sqrt{2} \\ 0 \end{pmatrix} $$ There are two ways...
Back
Top