An exact transfer-matrix formalism is developed for analyzing and solving problems in one-dimensional quantum mechanics. We show that with only three general-purpose matrices—one to propagate a wave function over a region of constant potential, one to take a wave function over a discontinuity in a potential, and one to connect a wave function across a delta function—a rich and intriguing variety of behavior is revealed. Not only are standard results recovered with this technique, in ways suitable for presentation in the classroom, but new findings and applications are discussed as well. A primary advantage of the transfer-matrix approach is that it facilitates wide-ranging explorations of one-dimensional quantum mechanics by both students and researchers, especially when implemented with Mathematica. For those interested in pursuing independent explorations, an electronic, interactive version of this paper, complete with the figures given here and the code that generates them, is available over Internet as a Mathematica notebook.
An exact transfer-matrix formalism is developed for analyzing and solving problems in one-dimensional quantum mechanics. We show that with only three general-purpose matrices—one to propagate a wave function over a region of constant potential, one to take a wave function over a discontinuity in a potential, and one to connect a wave function across a delta function—a rich and intriguing variety of behavior is revealed. Not only are standard results recovered with this technique, in ways suitable for presentation in the classroom, but new findings and applications are discussed as well. A primary advantage of the transfer-matrix approach is that it facilitates wide-ranging explorations of one-dimensional quantum mechanics by both students and researchers, especially when implemented with Mathematica. For those interested in pursuing independent explorations, an electronic, interactive version of this paper, complete with the figures given here and the code that generates them, is available over Internet as a Mathematica notebook.
The paper introduces a simplified and exact transfer matrix formalism.That can be used to study a series of one dimensional potential barrier problems with only two general purpose matrices one to propagate a wave function over a region of constant potential,the other to take a wave function over a discontinuity in a potential.Not only are standard results recovered for one potential barrier problem with this technique,but it is easy to extend this formalism into two,even more many potential barier cases,which facilitates wide ranging explorations of one dimensional quantum mechanics.
We give a pedagogical introduction to time-independent scattering theory in one dimension focusing on the basic properties and recent applications of transfer matrices. In particular, we begin surveying some basic notions of potential scattering such as transfer matrix and its analyticity, multi-delta-function and locally periodic potentials, Jost solutions, spectral singularities and their time-reversal, and unidirectional reflectionlessness and invisibility. We then offer a simple derivation of the Lippmann-Schwinger equation and Born series, and discuss the Born approximation. Next, we outline a recently developed dynamical formulation of time-independent scattering theory in one dimension. This formulation relates the transfer matrix and therefore the solution of the scattering problem for a given potential to the solution of the time-dependent Schr\"odinger equation for an effective non-unitary two-level quantum system. We provide a self-contained treatment of this formulation and some of its most important applications. Specifically, we use it to devise a powerful alternative to the Born series and Born approximation, derive dynamical equations for the reflection and transmission amplitudes, discuss their application in constructing exact tunable unidirectionally invisible potentials, and use them to provide an exact solution for single-mode inverse scattering problems. The latter, which has important applications in designing optical devices with a variety of functionalities, amounts to providing an explicit construction for a finite-range complex potential whose reflection and transmission amplitudes take arbitrary prescribed values at any given wavenumber.
We give a pedagogical introduction to time-independent scattering theory in one dimension focusing on the basic properties and recent applications of transfer matrices. In particular, we begin surveying some basic notions of potential scattering such as transfer matrix and its analyticity, multidelta-function and locally periodic potentials, Jost solutions, spectral singularities and their time-reversal, and unidirectional reflectionlessness and invisibility. We then offer a simple derivation of the Lippmann-Schwinger equation and the Born series, and discuss the Born approximation. Next, we outline a recently developed dynamical formulation of time-independent scattering theory in one dimension. This formulation relates the transfer matrix and therefore the solution of the scattering problem for a given potential to the solution of the time-dependent Schrodinger equation for an effective nonunitary two-level quantum system. We provide a self-contained treatment of this formulation and some of its most important applications. Specifically, we use it to devise a powerful alternative to the Born series and Born approximation, derive dynamical equations for the reflection and transmission amplitudes, discuss their application in constructing exact tunable unidirectionally invisible potentials, and use them to provide an exact solution for single-mode inverse scattering problems. The latter, which has important applications in designing optical devices with a variety of functionalities, amounts to providing an explicit construction for a finite-range complex potential whose reflection and transmission amplitudes take arbitrary prescribed values at any given wavenumber.
Abstract This book provides the reader with a contemporary and comprehensive introduction to Quantum Mechanics. It is suitable for beginners as well as for more advanced university students. Quantum mechanics is presented in a pedagogical fashion, with a clear logical organization. The various concepts and methods are introduced first in elementary terms, and later developed into more precise formulations. Systematic studies of approximation methods and the discussion of a wide class of physical applications follow. Part I of the book, together with the opening sections of Part II, provide adequate material for an introductory course of one semester at most universities. The rest of the book might be used in an advanced course on Quantum Mechanics. The basic material is fairly standard, even though some discussions such as those on general systems with time-dependent Hamiltonians, on metastable systems, as well as the discussions in some of the Complement sections, may not be found in other textbooks. The book also contains many original observations or new ways of illustrating even well-known subjects. In fact, the authors wish to convey in this book the sense of wonder in the logical simplicity and at the same time the beauty of subtle and far-reaching consequences of Quantum Mechanics, to young physics students in particular. Problem sets are provided at the end of each chapter, to be solved either analytically or by numerical methods. The solutions to both types of problems are given as separate pdf files or as Mathematica notebooks (there are 88 of them), all together on a CD accompanying the textbook. The presence of such a collection of numerical analyses enriches the main text and is one of the characteristic features of the book. With the many interesting systems discussed, the book will also be a useful reference for researchers and teachers. It provides the reader with a unique, enjoyable and rather complete textbook of Quantum Mechanics, destined to set a new standard for many years to come.
Abstract Quantum mechanical problems capable of exact solution are traditionally solved in a few instances only (such as the harmonic oscillator and angular momentum) by operator methods, but mainly by means of Schrodinger's wave mechanics. The present volume shows that a large range of one- and three-dimensional problems, including certain relativistic ones, are solvable by algebraic, representation-independent methods using commutation relations, shift operators, the virial, hypervirial, and Hellman-Feyman theorems. Applications of these operator methods to the calculation of eigenvalues, matrix elements, and wavefunctions are discussed in detail. This book is an introduction to the use of operator methods in quantum mechanics and also a reference work with numerous problmes solved. It is suitable for use by students of intermediate quantum mechanics and also more advanced postgraduate students who wish to study the algebraic method of solving quantum mechanical problems.
The problem of one-dimensional quantum wire along which a moving particle interacts with a linear array of N delta-function potentials is studied. Using a quantum waveguide approach, the transfer matrix is calculated to obtain the transmission probability of the particle. Results for arbitrary N and for specific regular arrays are presented. Some particular symmetries and invariances of the delta-function potential array for the N = 2 case are analyzed in detail. It is shown that perfect transmission can take place in a variety of situations.