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American Journal of Physics

Exact solutions for the inverse problem of the time-independent Schrödinger equation

Bhavika Bhalgamiya, M. A. Novotny

Published Nov 21, 2024• 1 citation
Publisher

Abstract

We introduce an “inverse method” for solving the time-independent Schrödinger equation. Rather than derive wave functions that are solutions for a given external potential V(r→), we ask the inverse question of which V(r→) will have a given probability density function P(r→). Several examples of ground states in one, two, and three dimensions are presented for both well-known and more exotic probability density functions in position space.

DOI
10.1119/5.0172824

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We introduce an “inverse method” for solving the time-independent Schrödinger equation. Rather than derive wave functions that are solutions for a given external potential V(r→), we ask the inverse question of which V(r→) will have a given probability density function P(r→). Several examples of ground states in one, two, and three dimensions are presented for both well-known and more exotic probability density functions in position space.
We found a simple procedure for the solution of the time - independent Schrodinger equation in one dimension without making any approximation. The wave functions are always periodic. Two difficulties may be encountered: one is to solve the equation E=U(x), where E and U(x) are the total and potential energies, respectively, and the other is to calculate the integral of the square root of U(x). If these calculations cannot be made analytically, it should then be performed by numerical methods. To find the energy and the wave function of the ground state, there is no need to calculate this integral, it is sufficient to find the classical turning points, that is to solve the equation E=U(x).
In all the applications of the formalism of quantum theory, we have considered mainly time-independent potential functions, V ( r , t ) = V ( r ). Such potentials made it easier to solve exactly the Schrodinger's equation or by solving the Schrodinger's equation approximately by using perturbation theory. The solution of the Schrodinger equation for time-independent potentials is obtained by using method of separable variables. The solution of time-independent Schrodinger gives stationary states, and the time dependence of the wave function is obtained by adding a phase factor to the stationary state. The schematic that follows describes such an approach ( Figure 7.1 ).
Time-independent and time-dependent forms of Schrodinger equations are presented in one and three dimensions along with their interpretations. Also, the time-independent version is shown to follow from the time-dependent version. For better conceptualization of wave motion, the general equation of wave motion is discussed and solved, explaining the physical significance of variables involved. Born interpretation of the wave function as a measure of the probability of finding the particle in a region of space at a given instant is described. The requirements to be fulfilled by the wave function for representing a physical world system are outlined.
A simple procedure has been found for the general solution of the time-independent Schrödinger Equation (SE) with the help of quantization of potential area in one dimension without making any approximation.Energy values are not dependent on wave functions. So, to find the energy values, it is enough to find the classic turning points of the potential function. Two different solutions were obtained, namely, symmetric and anti symmetric in bound states. These normalized wave functions are always periodic. It is enough to take the integral of the square root of the potential energy function to find the normalized wave functions. If these calculations cannot be made analytically, they should then be performed by numerical methods. The SE has been solved for a particle in many one-dimension and the spherical symmetric central potential well, the relativistic theory of Dirac as examples.
Abstract After revisiting the time-dependent Schrödinger equation and introducing the Hamiltonian operator, the time-independent Schrödinger equation (TISE) is obtained. Conditions on acceptable wavefunctions are then stated. The method for solution of the TISE is laid out, and the infinite potential well is solved as an example. A discussion of the physical interpretation of the solutions — as energy eigenstates in position space — follows. This provides an opportunity to introduce overall and relative phases, and to point out that the latter are responsible for time evolution. The TISE is then applied to the important problems of scattering from a step potential and tunneling through a rectangular potential barrier. Use of the TISE for such problems greatly simplifies calculations, but it can also instill misconceptions; both aspects are discussed.