Split-step orthogonal spline collocation methods for nonlinear Schrödinger equations in one, two, and three dimensions

Abstract

Split-step orthogonal spline collocation (OSC) methods are proposed for one-, two-, and three-dimensional nonlinear Schrödinger (NLS) equations with time-dependent potentials. Firstly, the NLS equation is split into two nonlinear equations, and one or more one-dimensional linear equations. Commonly, the nonlinear subproblems could be integrated directly and accurately, but it fails when the time-dependent potential cannot be integrated exactly. In this case, we propose three approximations by using quadrature formulae, but the split order is not reduced. Discrete-time OSC schemes are applied for the linear subproblems. In numerical experiments, many tests are carried out to prove the reliability and efficiency of the split-step OSC (SSOSC) methods. Solitons in one, two, and three dimensions are well simulated, and conservative properties and convergence rates are demonstrated. We also apply the ways of solving the nonlinear subproblems to the split-step finite difference (SSFD) methods and the time-splitting spectral (TSSP) methods, and the approximate ways still work well. Finally, we apply the SSOSC methods to solve some problems of Bose–Einstein condensates.