Propagation of wave packets using the complex basis function method

Abstract

The complex basis function method is applied to the problem of wave packet propagation. Two numerical examples are given: free propagation of a Gaussian wave packet in one dimension and a time-dependent treatment of photoionization of the 2p state of the hydrogen atom. In both cases propagation for longer periods is possible using complex basis functions than with real-valued basis sets of the same size. Possible combinations of the complex basis function method with other propagation techniques are suggested.