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

Journal of Physics A Mathematical and Theoretical

The derivation of time-dependent Schrödinger equations

J S Briggs, Sutee Boonchui, Supitch Khemmani

Published Jan 23, 2007• 29 citations
Publisher

Abstract

Beginning with an entangled state of a time-independent (TI) quantum system coupled to its TI quantum environment, we show that a time-dependent Schrödinger equation (TDSE) for the quantum system alone can be derived in the limit that one of the environment variables becomes a classical variable. In the same limit the TI amplitude of the environment wavefunction becomes the TD amplitude of an eigenfunction expansion of the system TD wavefunction. Similarly, the phase of the TI environment wavefunction goes over into the TD phase of the system amplitude. By considering that more and more environment variables become successively classical, each provides a classical clock to give a multiple-time TDSE for the quantum system. Two examples of two-time TDSE given in the literature are derived. When all clocks are synchronized the multiple-time TDSE reduces to the usual one-time TDSE.

DOI
10.1088/1751-8113/40/6/007

Related papers

Deriving time dependent Schrödinger equation from Wave-Mechanics, Schrödinger time independent equation, Classical and Hamilton-Jacobi equations

Nilesh P. Barde, Sandeep D. Patil, Pravin Manoharrao Kokne +1 more

The concept of time dependent Schrödinger equation (TDSE) illustrated in literature and even during class room teaching is mostly either complex or meant for advanced learners. This article is intended to enlighten the concept to the beginners in the field and further to improve knowledge about detailed steps for abstract mathematical formulation used which helps in understanding to derive TDSE using various tools and in more comprehensible manner. It is shown that TDSE may be derived using wave mechanics, time independent equation, classical & Hamilton-Jacobi’s equations. Similar attempts have been done earlier by some researchers. However, this article provides a comprehensive, lucid and well derived derivation, derived using various approaches, which would make this article unique.

•May 1, 2015•5 citations

JAYNES-CUMMINGS MODEL AS A CASE STUDY FOR THE DERIVATION OF TIME-DEPENDENT SCHRÖDINGER EQUATION

Supitch Khemmani, Virulh Sa‐Yakanit

The derivation of a time-dependent Schrödinger equation (TDSE) from a time-independent Schrödinger equation (TISE) in the coherent state representation is considered for the special case of a simple coupled atom-field system described by the soluble Jaynes-Cummings model. The derivation shows why, from the outset, a linear combination of energy eigenstates, instead of a single state, must be used in order to obtain a TDSE for general states. Moreover, this study leads to a method of solving a TDSE by simply solving a TISE.

International Journal of Modern Physics B•Oct 20, 2008•0 citations

Separation of Variables

Steven M. Pascal

The time-dependent Schrödinger equation (TDSE) contains two variables: position and time. Therefore, the solutions are functions of both space and time (x and t, if we limit ourselves to particles moving in one dimension). It turns out that the easiest way to "solve" such an equation of two variables is to perform a separation of variables. We show that if the potential does not change with time, then certain special solutions (eigenfunctions) can be written as a product of a space function and a time function: Ψ(x,t) = ψ(x) f(t). By assuming a "separable" solution of this form, and plugging into the TDSE, the TDSE itself can be separated into two equations: the time-independent Schrödinger equation (TISE) with solution ψ(x), and the space-independent Schrödinger equation (SISE) with solution f(t). Furthermore, f(t) always equals e -iωt , while ψ(x) depends on the potential. So, for potentials that do not vary with time, we need only solve the much simpler TISE in order to investigate the energy, momentum, and so on of the particle. This is why, for the remainder of this book, we only use the TISE.

CRC Press eBooks•Jul 12, 2023•0 citations

Review of Mathematical Modelling of the Time Dependent Schrodinger Wave Equation using Different methods

Jonathan Osang, Isaac Oludayo Adedokun, Chigozie Israel-Cookey +4 more

This paper focuses on the principle of time dependent Schrodinger equation (TDSE) which simplified so many reviewed ideas, class room teaching, research ideologies and personal study meant for advanced knowledge. In this research work,  the enlightenment of the basic concept of Schrodinger wave equation to improve knowledge about simple ways for mathematical understanding in deriving TDSE using different technique in more comprehensive approach. The research shows clearly that TDSE can be derived using time independent equation, wave mechanics, classical & Hamilton-Jacobi’s equations. Different methods and ways by different researchers/scholars have been used in the past. In this paper, we review the quantum field theoretic route to the Schrodinger wave equation which treats time and space as parameters, not operators. Furthermore, we recall that a classical (nonlinear) wave equation can be derived from the classical action via Hamiltonian-Jacobi theory. By requiring the wave equation to be linear we again arrive at the Schrodinger equation, without postulating operator relations. The underlying philosophy is operational. Surely, a particle is what a particle detector detects. This leads us to a useful physical picture combining the wave (field) and particle paradigms which points the way to the time-dependent Schrodinger equation. However, the result provides a comprehensive well derived derivation, derived using various approaches, which would make this research a unique one from different areas of specializations.

•Apr 30, 2020•1 citation

General procedure of solving the time-dependent Schrödinger equation

C.Y. Chen

A nonperturbative procedure of solving the time-dependent Schrödinger equation, called the multi-projection approach or phase dynamics of quantum mechanics, is derived and illustrated. In addition to introducing a method with that time-dependent systems become solvable (under the assumption that corresponding time-independent systems are solvable), the new approach unveils several misconcepts related to the usual wavefunction expansion and the standard perturbation theory.

arXiv:quant-ph/0009015•Sep 4, 2000•0 citations

Derivation of the Time-Dependent Schrödinger Equation from the Time-Independent One

Н.А. Винокуров

A derivation of the time-dependent Schrödinger equation from the time-independent one is considered. Instead of time, the coordinate of an additional degree of freedom, the clock, is introduced into the original time-independent Schrödinger equation. It is shown that the standard time-dependent Schrödinger equation can be obtained for the semiclassical clock only. For elucidation of the physical meaning of the equation obtained in this way, various types of clocks are discussed. In addition, the corresponding equation for the density matrix and formulas for the mean values of operators are derived.

arXiv:2307.13711•Jul 25, 2023•0 citations
Beginning with an entangled state of a time-independent (TI) quantum system coupled to its TI quantum environment, we show that a time-dependent Schrödinger equation (TDSE) for the quantum system alone can be derived in the limit that one of the environment variables becomes a classical variable. In the same limit the TI amplitude of the environment wavefunction becomes the TD amplitude of an eigenfunction expansion of the system TD wavefunction. Similarly, the phase of the TI environment wavefunction goes over into the TD phase of the system amplitude. By considering that more and more environment variables become successively classical, each provides a classical clock to give a multiple-time TDSE for the quantum system. Two examples of two-time TDSE given in the literature are derived. When all clocks are synchronized the multiple-time TDSE reduces to the usual one-time TDSE.
The concept of time dependent Schrödinger equation (TDSE) illustrated in literature and even during class room teaching is mostly either complex or meant for advanced learners. This article is intended to enlighten the concept to the beginners in the field and further to improve knowledge about detailed steps for abstract mathematical formulation used which helps in understanding to derive TDSE using various tools and in more comprehensible manner. It is shown that TDSE may be derived using wave mechanics, time independent equation, classical & Hamilton-Jacobi’s equations. Similar attempts have been done earlier by some researchers. However, this article provides a comprehensive, lucid and well derived derivation, derived using various approaches, which would make this article unique.
The derivation of a time-dependent Schrödinger equation (TDSE) from a time-independent Schrödinger equation (TISE) in the coherent state representation is considered for the special case of a simple coupled atom-field system described by the soluble Jaynes-Cummings model. The derivation shows why, from the outset, a linear combination of energy eigenstates, instead of a single state, must be used in order to obtain a TDSE for general states. Moreover, this study leads to a method of solving a TDSE by simply solving a TISE.
The time-dependent Schrödinger equation (TDSE) contains two variables: position and time. Therefore, the solutions are functions of both space and time (x and t, if we limit ourselves to particles moving in one dimension). It turns out that the easiest way to "solve" such an equation of two variables is to perform a separation of variables. We show that if the potential does not change with time, then certain special solutions (eigenfunctions) can be written as a product of a space function and a time function: Ψ(x,t) = ψ(x) f(t). By assuming a "separable" solution of this form, and plugging into the TDSE, the TDSE itself can be separated into two equations: the time-independent Schrödinger equation (TISE) with solution ψ(x), and the space-independent Schrödinger equation (SISE) with solution f(t). Furthermore, f(t) always equals e -iωt , while ψ(x) depends on the potential. So, for potentials that do not vary with time, we need only solve the much simpler TISE in order to investigate the energy, momentum, and so on of the particle. This is why, for the remainder of this book, we only use the TISE.
This paper focuses on the principle of time dependent Schrodinger equation (TDSE) which simplified so many reviewed ideas, class room teaching, research ideologies and personal study meant for advanced knowledge. In this research work,  the enlightenment of the basic concept of Schrodinger wave equation to improve knowledge about simple ways for mathematical understanding in deriving TDSE using different technique in more comprehensive approach. The research shows clearly that TDSE can be derived using time independent equation, wave mechanics, classical & Hamilton-Jacobi’s equations. Different methods and ways by different researchers/scholars have been used in the past. In this paper, we review the quantum field theoretic route to the Schrodinger wave equation which treats time and space as parameters, not operators. Furthermore, we recall that a classical (nonlinear) wave equation can be derived from the classical action via Hamiltonian-Jacobi theory. By requiring the wave equation to be linear we again arrive at the Schrodinger equation, without postulating operator relations. The underlying philosophy is operational. Surely, a particle is what a particle detector detects. This leads us to a useful physical picture combining the wave (field) and particle paradigms which points the way to the time-dependent Schrodinger equation. However, the result provides a comprehensive well derived derivation, derived using various approaches, which would make this research a unique one from different areas of specializations.
A derivation of the time-dependent Schrödinger equation from the time-independent one is considered. Instead of time, the coordinate of an additional degree of freedom, the clock, is introduced into the original time-independent Schrödinger equation. It is shown that the standard time-dependent Schrödinger equation can be obtained for the semiclassical clock only. For elucidation of the physical meaning of the equation obtained in this way, various types of clocks are discussed. In addition, the corresponding equation for the density matrix and formulas for the mean values of operators are derived.