Harnessing the Matrix Method with SMath to Explore the Finite Square Well Potential

Authors

  • Chittaranjan Ghosh
  • Koustav Dey

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.59573/emsj.8(2).2024.20

Keywords:

SMath Studio, finite square well potential, infinite square well potential, matrix method

Abstract

This innovative research makes use of a matrix-method driven numerical voyage into the foundation of the time-independent Schr?dinger equation for a one-dimensional finite square well potential to unlock the secrets of the quantum realm. This is made possible by the unmatched power of the open-source computational juggernaut, SMath Studio. The work unfolds the quantum tapestry by cleverly placing the finite square well inside the infinitely large potential of an infinite square well, using an infinite number of basis vectors to invoke wavefunctions from the very fabric of the universe. This scholarly masterwork not only clarifies the elusive low-lying bound states of the finite square well potential but also acts as a quantum lighthouse, illuminating the complex quantum landscape for undergraduate students with unmatched clarity and understanding.

References

Atkin, K. (2021). Using SMath to solve the time-independent Schrödinger equation. Phys. Educ., 56, 055018.

Barker, B. I., Rayborn, G. H., Ioup, J. W., & Ioup, G. E. (1991). Approximating the finite square well with an infinite well: Energies and eigenfunctions. Am. J. Phys., 59, 1038-1042.

Cameron Reed, B. (1990). A single equation for finite rectangular well energy eigenvalues. Am. J. Phys., 58, 503-504.

Garrett, S. (1979). Bound state energies of a particle in a finite square well: A simple approximation. Am. J. Phys., 47, 195-196.

Griffiths, D. J. (2005). Introduction to Quantum Mechanics. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson/Prentice Hall.

Guest, P. G. (1972). Graphical solutions for the square well. Am. J. Phys., 40, 1175-1176.

Jelic, V. & Marsiglio, F. (2012). The double-well potential in quantum mechanics: a simple, numerically exact formulation Eur. J. Phys., 33, 1651-1666.

Jugdutt, B. A. & Marsiglio, F. (2013). Solving for three-dimensional central potentials using numerical matrix methods. Am. J. Phys., 83, 343-350.

Kinderman, J. V. (1990). A computing laboratory for introductory quantum mechanics. Am. J. Phys., 58, 568-573.

Knight, R. D. (2007). Physics for Scientists and Engineers A Strategic Approach. San Francisco Boston, NY: Pearson/Addison Wesley.

Lima, F. M. S. (2020). A simple graphical solution and an approximate formula for energy eigenvalues in finite square quantum wells. Am. J. Phys., 88, 1019-1022.

Lindberg Vern. Finite square well. http://people.rit.edu/vwlsps/314_w07/FiniteSquareWell.pdf

Mallow, J. V. (1996). Simple graphical solution for the finite square well with no change of variables Am. J. Phys., 64, 1072-1073.

Marsiglio, F. (2009). The harmonic oscillator in quantum mechanics: A third. Am. J. Phys., 77, 253-258.

Murphy, R. D. & Phillips, J. M. (1976). Bound-state eigenvalues of the square-well potential Am. J. Phys., 44, 574-576.

Sastri, O. S. K. S., Sharma, A., Bhardwaj, J., Gora, S., Sharda, V., & Jithin, B. P. (2020). Numerical solution of square well potential with matrix method using worksheets. Physics Education, 36, 1/7.

Downloads

Published

2024-04-30

Issue

Section

Articles