World Scientific series in 20th century physics
Exact local density method for linear harmonic oscillator
G. P. Lawes, N. H. March
Abstract
Using an exact form for the particle density for N particles moving independently in a linear harmonic oscillator potential, a differential equation is derived for the particle density. This is then shown to be exactly that which is obtained from a local density assumption for the kinetic energy density t, in the form −1/2Σψi(δ2/δx2) ψi. The form of the kinetic energy density functional is then discussed in this example. The implications for wider classes of potential are briefly referred to.