What Is the Minimum Size of a Wavepacket?

opous · Jan 3, 2008

I've read a few texts where the term "minimum sized wavepacket" is used. Can anyone explain what the "minimum size" refers to in the context of a wavepacket? Thanks.

pam · Jan 3, 2008

They are probably referring to a wave packet for which
[twx]\Delta k\Delta x[/tex] is a minimum. This is a Gaussian wave packet:
[tex]f(x,t)=N\exp\left[-(x-x_0)^2/a^2\right]\exp[-i(k_0 x-\omega_0 t][/tex].

opous · Jan 3, 2008

Ahh, thanks very much Pam - makes sense now!

What Is the Minimum Size of a Wavepacket?

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