Special function solutions of a spectral problem for a nonlinear quantum oscillator

Abstract

We construct exact solutions of a spectral problem involving the Schrödinger equation for a nonlinear, one-parameter oscillator potential. In contrast to a previous analysis of the problem (Carinena et al 2007 Ann. Phys. 322 434–59), where solutions were given through a Rodrigues-type formula, our approach leads to closed-form representations of the solutions in terms of special functions, not containing any derivative operators. We show normalizability and orthogonality of our solutions, as well as correct reduction of the problem to the harmonic oscillator model, if the parameter in the potential gets close to zero.