What is the use of WKB after Schrodinger equation is established?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the relevance of the WKB (Wentzel-Kramers-Brillouin) approximation in the context of the Schrödinger equation (SE). While the SE allows for accurate numerical solutions of eigenvalues and eigenvectors, the WKB method remains valuable for providing insights into complex systems where numerical solutions are impractical. Additionally, semiclassical approximations like WKB are essential in fields such as quantum chaos, where they help define chaotic behavior in quantum systems.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the Schrödinger equation (SE)
  • Familiarity with quantum mechanics concepts
  • Knowledge of eigenvalues and eigenvectors
  • Basic principles of quantum chaos
NEXT STEPS
  • Explore the applications of the WKB approximation in quantum mechanics
  • Study the implications of semiclassical methods in quantum chaos
  • Investigate numerical methods for solving the Schrödinger equation
  • Learn about alternative quantization methods such as EBK (Einstein-Brillouin-Keller) quantization
USEFUL FOR

Physicists, quantum mechanics students, and researchers interested in the applications of semiclassical methods and the Schrödinger equation in complex systems.

wdlang
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i think every system is accurately described by Schrödinger equation.

so what is the point of using old quantum mechanics methods?

with Schrödinger equation, at least numerically, you can solve the eigenvalues and eigenvectors readily and accurately. So what is the point of using approximate methods like WKB or even some strange quantization methods such as EBK?
 
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There are several reasons:
a) Often, the numerical solution of the SE provides little insight into the phenomena you want to describe.
b) A numerical solution of the SE rapidly becomes prohibitive for complex systems.
c) There are fields like quantum chaos which rely heavily on semiclassical approximations to define chaos in the quantum regime.
 

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