Challenges
Datasets
Workspaces
Papers
Discussions
Leaderboard
Log inSign up
Challenges
Datasets
Workspaces
Papers
Discussions
Leaderboard
Blog
Job Board
Q3AS

© 2026 Aqora Quantum S.A.S.

TermsPrivacyLegal Notice

arXiv:2105.08283

Non-Relativistic Scenario of a Free Particle in an Infinite Cylindrical Potential Well

Pratik Adarsh, Sabyasachi Ghosh

Published May 18, 2021• 0 citations
arXivHTMLPDF

Abstract

There are various types of infinite potential well problems occurring in elementary quantum mechanics formalism. The infinite square well (one dimensional), cubical box and, spherical well are quite common in textbooks. In this paper, we consider a rather uncommon potential well, an infinite cylindrical well, and try to find its energy eigenvalues and eigenfunctions using Schrödinger equation. We also plot some radial wavefunctions and density plots.

DOI
10.48550/arxiv.2105.08283

Related papers

The infinite square well potential in momentum space

Alberto G. Rojo, P. R. Berman

Abstract We address an interesting problem in elementary quantum mechanics, namely how can one obtain the momentum state eigenfunctions for the infinite square well potential as a direct solution of the time-independent Schrödinger equation in momentum space. The conventional method for obtaining the momentum state eigenfunctions for the infinite square well potential is to take the Fourier transform of the coordinate space eigenfunctions. Unfortunately, the Schrödinger equation in momentum space for the infinite well potential is not well-defined. As such we must use a potential whose Fourier transform is well-defined and then take a limit in which the potential approaches that of the infinite well potential. We present three approaches to the problem: one based on dimensional analysis, one in which the infinite well potential is viewed as the limit of a finite well whose depth approaches infinity, and one in which the infinite well potential is viewed as the limit of a power law potential in the limit that the power approaches infinity.

European Journal of Physics•Apr 2, 2020•6 citations

Graphical Approach to Eigenvalue Problems of The One-Dimensional Finite Deep Square Potential Well

Shu Long

The one-dimensional finite-depth potential well problem under certain boundary conditions discussed in this paper is mainly the eigenvalue problem in quantum mechanics. The basis of this article is the solution of Schrodinger equation and the treatment of transcendental equation. In many quantum mechanics textbooks, the one-dimensional infinite potential well problem is regarded as the foundation of quantum mechanics because it is easy to handle and understand. On this basis, this paper discusses the more challenging finite-depth potential well situation. In this paper, the transcendental equation is obtained by analogy between the wave function with time and the continuity of the boundary conditions. In order to solve the problem that transcendental equation is difficult to solve in this process, this paper adopts the method of solving numerical solutions by using images, which includes two different cases of odd and even functions. This paper reveals the possibility of particles appearing outside the well in this problem, and on this basis, some discussions and analysis are made on the one-dimensional asymmetric finite-depth potential well problem.

Highlights in Science Engineering and Technology•Aug 20, 2024•0 citations

Bound states in a semi-infinite square potential well

Nivaldo A. Lemos

The finite square potential well is a staple problem in introductory quantum mechanics. There is an extensive literature on the determination of the allowed energies, which requires the solution of a transcendental equation by numerical, graphical or approximate analytic methods. Here we investigate the less explored problem of a particle in a semi-infinite potential well. The energy eigenvalues, which are also determined by a transcendental equation, are found by a standard graphical method, and a simple rule that yields the number of stationary states is provided. Next a simplification of the aforementioned transcendental equation is attempted. During the process pitfalls are encountered and a purportedly simpler graphical treatment of the problem given in the solutions manual to a fine textbook is shown to be flawed. A more careful analysis brings forth the correct simplification, which is shown to be particularly suitable for finding highly accurate approximations to the energy levels. Finally, a class of exact solutions is produced, the associated normalized eigenfunctions are constructed and the probability of finding the particle inside the well is computed.

quant-pharXiv:2603.08394•Mar 10, 2026•0 citations

Exact solutions of the Schrödinger–Dunkl equation for a free particle in a finite and infinite cylindrical well

R. D. Mota, D. Ojeda-Guillén, M. Salazar–Ramírez

In this paper, we study the Schrödinger equation with Dunkl derivative for a free particle confined in a cylindrical potential well. We consider both the finite and infinite height cases. The Dunkl formalism introduces reflection operators that modify the structure of the Hamiltonian and affect the parity of the solutions. By working in cylindrical coordinates, we obtain exact analytical expressions for the radial and axial wavefunctions in terms of Bessel functions. The energy spectrum and the solutions are classified according to the eigenvalues of the reflection operators in the three coordinates. We analyze in detail the conditions under which the wavefunctions acquire definite parity and discuss the resulting constraints on the Dunkl parameters.

arXiv:2508.04840•Modern Physics Letters A•Aug 18, 2025•1 citation

Quantum particle in a spherical well confined by a cone

Raz Halifa Levi, Yacov Kantor

Abstract We consider the quantum problem of a particle in either a spherical box or a finite spherical well confined by a circular cone with an apex angle 2θ 0 emanating from the center of the sphere, with 0 < θ 0 < π. This non-central potential can be solved by an extension of techniques used in spherically-symmetric problems. The angular parts of the eigenstates depend on azimuthal angle φ and polar angle θ as P λ m ( cos θ ) e im φ where P λ m is the associated Legendre function of integer order m and (usually noninteger) degree λ. There is an infinite discrete set of values λ = λ i m (i = 0, 1, 3, ...) that depend on m and θ 0. Each λ i m has an infinite sequence of eigenenergies E n ( λ i m ) , with corresponding radial parts of eigenfunctions. In a spherical box the discrete energy spectrum is determined by the zeros of the spherical Bessel functions. For several θ 0 we demonstrate the validity of Weyl’s continuous estimate  W for the exact number of states  up to energy E, and evaluate the fluctuations of  around  W . We examine the behavior of bound states in a well of finite depth U 0, and find the critical value U c (θ 0) when all bound states disappear. The radial part of the zero energy eigenstate outside the well is 1/r λ+1, which is not square-integrable for λ ≤ 1/2. (0 < λ ≤ 1/2) can appear for θ

arXiv:2207.01521•Journal of Physics Communications•Apr 29, 2022•4 citations

Bound states in a semi-infinite square potential well

Nivaldo Agostinho Lemos

Abstract The finite square potential well is a staple problem in introductory quantum mechanics. There is an extensive literature on the determination of the allowed energies, which requires the solution of a transcendental equation by numerical, graphical or approximate analytic methods. Here we investigate the less explored problem of a particle in a semi-infinite potential well. The energy eigenvalues, which are also determined by a transcendental equation, are found by a standard graphical method, and a simple rule that yields the number of stationary states is provided. Next a simplification of the aforementioned transcendental equation is attempted. During the process pitfalls are encountered and a purportedly simpler graphical treatment of the problem given in the solutions manual to a fine textbook is shown to be flawed. A more careful analysis brings forth the correct simplification, which is shown to be particularly suitable for finding highly accurate approximations to the energy levels. Finally, a class of exact solutions is produced, the associated normalized eigenfunctions are constructed and the probability of finding the particle inside the well is computed.

Revista Brasileira de Ensino de Física•Jan 1, 2026•0 citations
There are various types of infinite potential well problems occurring in elementary quantum mechanics formalism. The infinite square well (one dimensional), cubical box and, spherical well are quite common in textbooks. In this paper, we consider a rather uncommon potential well, an infinite cylindrical well, and try to find its energy eigenvalues and eigenfunctions using Schrödinger equation. We also plot some radial wavefunctions and density plots.
Abstract We address an interesting problem in elementary quantum mechanics, namely how can one obtain the momentum state eigenfunctions for the infinite square well potential as a direct solution of the time-independent Schrödinger equation in momentum space. The conventional method for obtaining the momentum state eigenfunctions for the infinite square well potential is to take the Fourier transform of the coordinate space eigenfunctions. Unfortunately, the Schrödinger equation in momentum space for the infinite well potential is not well-defined. As such we must use a potential whose Fourier transform is well-defined and then take a limit in which the potential approaches that of the infinite well potential. We present three approaches to the problem: one based on dimensional analysis, one in which the infinite well potential is viewed as the limit of a finite well whose depth approaches infinity, and one in which the infinite well potential is viewed as the limit of a power law potential in the limit that the power approaches infinity.
The one-dimensional finite-depth potential well problem under certain boundary conditions discussed in this paper is mainly the eigenvalue problem in quantum mechanics. The basis of this article is the solution of Schrodinger equation and the treatment of transcendental equation. In many quantum mechanics textbooks, the one-dimensional infinite potential well problem is regarded as the foundation of quantum mechanics because it is easy to handle and understand. On this basis, this paper discusses the more challenging finite-depth potential well situation. In this paper, the transcendental equation is obtained by analogy between the wave function with time and the continuity of the boundary conditions. In order to solve the problem that transcendental equation is difficult to solve in this process, this paper adopts the method of solving numerical solutions by using images, which includes two different cases of odd and even functions. This paper reveals the possibility of particles appearing outside the well in this problem, and on this basis, some discussions and analysis are made on the one-dimensional asymmetric finite-depth potential well problem.
The finite square potential well is a staple problem in introductory quantum mechanics. There is an extensive literature on the determination of the allowed energies, which requires the solution of a transcendental equation by numerical, graphical or approximate analytic methods. Here we investigate the less explored problem of a particle in a semi-infinite potential well. The energy eigenvalues, which are also determined by a transcendental equation, are found by a standard graphical method, and a simple rule that yields the number of stationary states is provided. Next a simplification of the aforementioned transcendental equation is attempted. During the process pitfalls are encountered and a purportedly simpler graphical treatment of the problem given in the solutions manual to a fine textbook is shown to be flawed. A more careful analysis brings forth the correct simplification, which is shown to be particularly suitable for finding highly accurate approximations to the energy levels. Finally, a class of exact solutions is produced, the associated normalized eigenfunctions are constructed and the probability of finding the particle inside the well is computed.
In this paper, we study the Schrödinger equation with Dunkl derivative for a free particle confined in a cylindrical potential well. We consider both the finite and infinite height cases. The Dunkl formalism introduces reflection operators that modify the structure of the Hamiltonian and affect the parity of the solutions. By working in cylindrical coordinates, we obtain exact analytical expressions for the radial and axial wavefunctions in terms of Bessel functions. The energy spectrum and the solutions are classified according to the eigenvalues of the reflection operators in the three coordinates. We analyze in detail the conditions under which the wavefunctions acquire definite parity and discuss the resulting constraints on the Dunkl parameters.
Abstract We consider the quantum problem of a particle in either a spherical box or a finite spherical well confined by a circular cone with an apex angle 2θ 0 emanating from the center of the sphere, with 0 < θ 0 < π. This non-central potential can be solved by an extension of techniques used in spherically-symmetric problems. The angular parts of the eigenstates depend on azimuthal angle φ and polar angle θ as P λ m ( cos θ ) e im φ where P λ m is the associated Legendre function of integer order m and (usually noninteger) degree λ. There is an infinite discrete set of values λ = λ i m (i = 0, 1, 3, ...) that depend on m and θ 0. Each λ i m has an infinite sequence of eigenenergies E n ( λ i m ) , with corresponding radial parts of eigenfunctions. In a spherical box the discrete energy spectrum is determined by the zeros of the spherical Bessel functions. For several θ 0 we demonstrate the validity of Weyl’s continuous estimate  W for the exact number of states  up to energy E, and evaluate the fluctuations of  around  W . We examine the behavior of bound states in a well of finite depth U 0, and find the critical value U c (θ 0) when all bound states disappear. The radial part of the zero energy eigenstate outside the well is 1/r λ+1, which is not square-integrable for λ ≤ 1/2. (0 < λ ≤ 1/2) can appear for θ
Abstract The finite square potential well is a staple problem in introductory quantum mechanics. There is an extensive literature on the determination of the allowed energies, which requires the solution of a transcendental equation by numerical, graphical or approximate analytic methods. Here we investigate the less explored problem of a particle in a semi-infinite potential well. The energy eigenvalues, which are also determined by a transcendental equation, are found by a standard graphical method, and a simple rule that yields the number of stationary states is provided. Next a simplification of the aforementioned transcendental equation is attempted. During the process pitfalls are encountered and a purportedly simpler graphical treatment of the problem given in the solutions manual to a fine textbook is shown to be flawed. A more careful analysis brings forth the correct simplification, which is shown to be particularly suitable for finding highly accurate approximations to the energy levels. Finally, a class of exact solutions is produced, the associated normalized eigenfunctions are constructed and the probability of finding the particle inside the well is computed.