The restrictions of micro-scale systems are approaching rapidly. In anticipation of this development, nano-scale electronics has become the focus of many researchers and engineers in academia and industry since early 1990s. The basic building blocks of modern integrated circuits have been diodes and transistors with their current-voltage I-V characteristics being of prime significance for the design of complex signal processing and shaping devices and systems. Classical and semi-classical physical principles are no longer powerful enough or even valid to describe the phenomena involved. The application of rich and powerful concepts in quantum theory has become indispensable. These facts have been influential in undertaking this research project. This research is built upon the determination of the Eigenpairs of one and two dimensional positive differential operators with periodic boundary conditions. The Schrödinger equation was solved for positive operators in both one and two dimensions. Fourier series were used to express the derivatives as the summation of Fourier terms. This led to a novel approach for the calculation of the eigenmodels of a perturbed potential well. The perturbation can be done via an electric field applied to the potential well. The research in this thesis includes a thorough understanding of quantum mechanics fundamentals, mastering of different approximation techniques such as the variational technique and results that have been generated and published using the novel techniques.
The restrictions of micro-scale systems are approaching rapidly. In anticipation of this development, nano-scale electronics has become the focus of many researchers and engineers in academia and industry since early 1990s. The basic building blocks of modern integrated circuits have been diodes and transistors with their current-voltage I-V characteristics being of prime significance for the design of complex signal processing and shaping devices and systems. Classical and semi-classical physical principles are no longer powerful enough or even valid to describe the phenomena involved. The application of rich and powerful concepts in quantum theory has become indispensable. These facts have been influential in undertaking this research project. This research is built upon the determination of the Eigenpairs of one and two dimensional positive differential operators with periodic boundary conditions. The Schrödinger equation was solved for positive operators in both one and two dimensions. Fourier series were used to express the derivatives as the summation of Fourier terms. This led to a novel approach for the calculation of the eigenmodels of a perturbed potential well. The perturbation can be done via an electric field applied to the potential well. The research in this thesis includes a thorough understanding of quantum mechanics fundamentals, mastering of different approximation techniques such as the variational technique and results that have been generated and published using the novel techniques.
The Schrödinger equation serves as a pivotal differential equation, capturing the fundamental duality of particles as both matter and waves. Upon solving it, we derive a particle's wave function within a given potential, delineating the confines within which the particle operates. This wave function enables us to ascertain the "most probable" values for parameters such as position, momentum, and energy within the specified potential. In this study, we focus on the double-well potential in two dimensions, resembling a bowl-like structure. Specifically tailored equations, termed Equation 1 and Equation 2, stem from the general Schrödinger equation when applied to the prescribed conditions. This research aims to utilize these equations to describe a particle’s behavior within the ground and the first excited states of the double well potential, employing two distinct methodologies. The first methodology involves leveraging the variational method on Equations 1 and 2 to obtain approximate solutions, providing crucial inputs for our subsequent approach. The second methodology serves as entails an analytical solution of Equations 1 and 2. A comparative analysis of the outcomes from both methods is anticipated to ensure the coherence and validity of the variational method. This project integrates key principles and proficiencies from both physics and mathematics disciplines, offering a platform for honing practical skills in applying these methodologies within a real-world context.
We introduce here an approach that presents the basics of quantum mechanics to electrical engineers using common matrix algebra and Fourier series knowledge. Designed to quickly impart a fundamental understanding, this strategy bypasses the complex mathematics typically required. Amidst the unfolding second quantum revolution, the accelerated development of quantum engineering in academia and industry underscores the urgent need for a skilled workforce. Scientific and technological fields like quantum computing, quantum sensing, and quantum communications are gaining significant momentum, necessitating the urgent involvement of electrical engineers skilled in management, design, manufacturing, and research. These professionals require foundational quantum mechanics knowledge to effectively integrate these principles with their existing technical skills in areas like automatic control theory and signal processing. Traditionally, educational methods have targeted physicists rather than engineers, often treating quantum mechanics as too abstract for practical engineering applications. However, the rise of quantum technology now demands the inclusion of engineers from diverse backgrounds. Our proposal offers this primer as an innovative, electrical engineering-focused educational tool. We strongly believe that our approach prepares engineers to make significant contributions to the rapidly expanding field of quantum technology.
Abstract This review presents time-independent perturbative methods for solving the one-dimensional Schrödinger equation, highlighting representative cases that reveal key aspects of the theory. The focus is on their relevance to quantum computing applications, particularly in systems with finite-dimensional state spaces. The main link between these methods and quantum processing emerges when we consider systems with only a finite number of well-defined energy levels, e.g., two levels corresponding to the ‘zero’ and ‘one’ states of a quantum bit (qubit), for which the Schrödinger equation describes a quantum algorithm corresponding to the unitary evolution of the qubits. Perturbative techniques can then be applied to this evolution to gain deeper insight into the algorithm or to simplify it in a controlled manner, as described in the last sections of this review. We initially discuss representative applications using benchmark cases that exemplify the essential features of perturbation theory while avoiding unnecessary technical complications. The methods presented involve direct approaches to solutions for quantum systems with small potential perturbations, with consideration of indirect and approximation techniques. Key cases examined include the particle in a potential well, the harmonic oscillator, and systems with polynomial or Dirac delta distribution perturbations, each chosen to highlight unique aspects of perturbative analysis. Starting with an overview of the unperturbed Schrödinger equation, we derive canonical solutions and then use perturbative techniques to approximate energy shifts and wavefunction corrections in both non-degenerate and degenerate settings. By combining theoretical discussion with case studies, this review underscores how perturbative methods are applied across a range of elementary quantum mechanical problems especially for applications in the qubit model, which, in many cases of interest, can be reduced to the explicit calculations shown here.
Rayleigh-Schrödinger time-independent perturbation theory is a key method in quantum mechanics for solving problems where the Hamiltonian of a quantum system cannot be exactly solved. By expanding the solutions in series, this method allows one to obtain approximations for quantum states and eigen-energies, especially for systems where the interactions or perturbing forces are small compared to the principal part of the Hamiltonian. This is crucial for understanding complex phenomena, predicting the behaviours of atomic and molecular systems, and calculating corrections to basic theoretical models, thereby improving the accuracy of quantum predictions. In this work, we will show that using the unitary operators, we arrive at the equations giving the different order of corrections of both energy as well as wave functions of the time-independent perturbation theory. Our approach closely mirrors the famous formalism of Rayleigh-Schrodinger perturbation theory (RSPT). The use of unitary operators simplifies the derivation of higher-order corrections, making the process more accurate and accessible to researchers. This technique harnesses the potential of unitary operators within a perturbation series framework. By combining these two powerful techniques, we offer a comprehensive framework for addressing normalization challenges in quantum mechanical calculations. This methodology not only facilitates a deeper understanding of perturbation theory but also serves as a pedagogical stepping stone, encouraging postgraduate researchers to apply their foundational knowledge and acquired skills in practical problem-solving situations with confidence. This is therefore a second proof or a new method to derive the fundamental equations of Rayleigh Schrodinger perturbation Theory RSPT using the unitary transformations.
This project looks into the time evolution of a wave function within a two-dimensional quantum well. We start by solving the time-dependent Schrödinger equation for stationary states in a quantum well. Next, we express any wave function as a linear combination of stationary states, allowing us to understand their time evolution. Two methods are presented: one relies on decomposing the wave function into a basis of stationary states and the other on discretisation of the time-dependent Schrödinger equation, incorporating three-point formulas for derivatives. These approaches necessitate confronting intricate boundary conditions and require maintaining energy conservation for numerical accuracy. We further demonstrate the methods using a wave packet, revealing fundamental phenomena in quantum physics. Our results demonstrate the utility of these methods in understanding quantum systems, despite the challenges in determining stationary states for a given potential. This study enhances our comprehension of the dynamics of quantum states in constrained systems, essential for fields like quantum computing and nanotechnology.