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American Journal of Physics

Acoustic analog to quantum mechanical level splitting

Shawn A. Hilbert, Herman Batelaan

Published Oct 11, 2007• 7 citations
Publisher

Abstract

A simple physical system is discussed that mirrors the quantum mechanical infinite square well with a central delta well potential. The physical realization consists of a continuous sound wave traveling in a pair of tubes separated by an adjustable diaphragm. The equivalence between the quantum system and the acoustic system is explored. The analytic solution to the quantum system exhibits level splitting as does the acoustic system.

DOI
10.1119/1.2772278

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A simple physical system is discussed that mirrors the quantum mechanical infinite square well with a central delta well potential. The physical realization consists of a continuous sound wave traveling in a pair of tubes separated by an adjustable diaphragm. The equivalence between the quantum system and the acoustic system is explored. The analytic solution to the quantum system exhibits level splitting as does the acoustic system.
This paper explores band structure in a simple acoustic apparatus that acts as an analog to the quantum infinite square well with multiple delta-function perturbations. The apparatus can be used to visualize abstract quantum phenomena in a concrete and easily understandable way. It consists of regular sections of PVC pipes connected by variable aluminum diaphragms to allow coupling between the pipe sections. The equivalence between standing waves in the acoustic system and stationary states in the quantum system is examined for multiple-cavity situations. We show that the experimental results from the acoustic system and the analytic solutions of the quantum system demonstrate the same resonance structure. We also experimentally show that the acoustic system supports band structure and that the band width is dependent on the hole size of the diaphragms.
Abstract Interviews with students suggest that even though they understand the formalism and the formal nature of quantum theory, they still often desire a mental picture of what the equations describe and some tangible experience with the wavefunctions. Here we discuss a mechanical wave system capable of reproducing correctly a mechanical equivalent of a quantum system in a potential, and the resulting waveforms in principle of any form. We have successfully reproduced the finite potential well, the potential barrier and the parabolic potential. We believe that these mechanical waveforms can provide a valuable experience base for introductory students to start from. We aim to show that mechanical systems that are described with the same mathematics as quantum mechanical, indeed behave in the same way. We believe that even if treated purely as a wave phenomenon, the system provides much insight into wave mechanics. This can be especially useful for physics teachers and others who often need to resort to concepts and experience rather than mathematics when explaining physical phenomena.
Scattering of sound waves propagating in a compressible fluid is linked to the quantum dynamics generated by a class of non-Hermitian Hamiltonian operators. The scattering amplitude is expressed in terms of the corresponding evolution operator. This is used to provide a new proof of the reciprocity theorem in acoustic scattering, conduct analytic low-frequency acoustic scattering calculations, and study the scattering of sound waves by a finite planar array of delta-function point scatters embedded in an infinite acoustic slab. A detailed discussion of acoustic scattering properties of a homogeneous acoustic slab including a pair of delta-function point scatters on one of its faces is provided.
In this paper we study an acoustic system comprised of two identical closed tubes connected with a short one, and a quantum-mechanical square well with a delta function potential. Both systems can be thought of as mathematically equivalents to the homogeneous string with a concentrated mass at its middle point. We describe also a simple experimental device to measure the resonances of the acoustic system as a function of the connecting tube section. The experimental setup and the theoretical approach we have employed can be used in both undergraduate and graduate level courses. Moreover, this work may be useful as a teaching aid in other experimental research projects such as for instance the study of the emergence of the band structure in solid state physics.