Stability analysis of finite difference schemes for quantum mechanical equations of motion

Abstract

For a pdf involving both space and time variables, stability criteria are presently shown to change drastically when the equation contains i, as in the quantum-mechanical equations of motion. It is further noted that the stability of finite difference schemes for quantum-mechanical equations of motion depends on both spatial and temporal zoning. It is possible to compare a free particle Green's function to the solution of a simple diffusion equation, and the quantum-mechanical motion of a free particle to Fresnel diffraction in optics.