Infinite Square-well Potential Research Articles

Nuclear Shape-Phase Transitions and the Sextic Oscillator

This review delves into the utilization of a sextic oscillator within the β degree of freedom of the Bohr Hamiltonian to elucidate critical-point solutions in nuclei, with a specific emphasis on the critical point associated with the β shape variable, governing transitions from spherical to deformed nuclei. To commence, an overview is presented for critical-point solutions E(5), X(5), X(3), Z(5), and Z(4). These symmetries, encapsulated in simple models, all model the β degree of freedom using an infinite square-well (ISW) potential. They are particularly useful for dissecting phase transitions from spherical to deformed nuclear shapes. The distinguishing factor among these models lies in their treatment of the γ degree of freedom. These models are rooted in a geometrical context, employing the Bohr Hamiltonian. The review then continues with the analysis of the same critical solutions but with the adoption of a sextic potential in place of the ISW potential within the β degree of freedom. The sextic oscillator, being quasi-exactly solvable (QES), allows for the derivation of exact solutions for the lower part of the energy spectrum. The outcomes of this analysis are examined in detail. Additionally, various versions of the sextic potential, while not exactly solvable, can still be tackled numerically, offering a means to establish benchmarks for criticality in the transitional path from spherical to deformed shapes. This review extends its scope to encompass related papers published in the field in the past 20 years, contributing to a comprehensive understanding of critical-point symmetries in nuclear physics. To facilitate this understanding, a map depicting the different regions of the nuclide chart where these models have been applied is provided, serving as a concise summary of their applications and implications in the realm of nuclear structure.

An infinite square-well potential as a limiting case of a square-well potential in a minimal-length scenario

One of the most widely problem studied in quantum mechanics is of an infinite square-well potential. In a minimal-length scenario its study requires additional care because the boundary conditions at the walls of the well are not well fixed. In order to avoid this we solve the finite square-well potential whose the boundary conditions are well fixed, even in a minimal-length scenario, and then we take the limit of the potential going to infinity to find the eigenfunctions and the energy equation for the infinite square-well potential. Although the first correction for the energy eigenvalues is the same as one found in the literature, our result shows that the eigenfunctions have the first derivative continuous at the square-well walls what is in disagreement with those previous work. That is because in the literature the authors have neglected the hyperbolic solutions and have assumed the discontinuity of the first derivative of the eigenfunctions at the walls of the infinite square-well which is not correct. As we show, the continuity of the first derivative of the eigenfunctions at the square-well walls guarantees the continuity of the probability current density and the unitarity of the time evolution operator.

Speeding up maximum population transfer in periodically driven multi-level quantum systems

A fast and robust approach to controlling the quantum state of a multi-level quantum system is investigated using a twofrequency time-varying potential. A comparison with other related approaches in the context of a two-level system is also presented, showing similar times and fidelities. As a concrete example, we study the problem of a particle in a box with a periodically oscillating infinite square-well potential, from which we obtain results that can be applied to systems with periodically oscillating boundary conditions. We show that the transition between the ground and first excited state is about 20 times faster than the one performed using a single frequency, both with fidelity of 99.97%. The transition time is about 3.5 times the minimum allowed by quantum mechanics. A test of the robustness of the approach is presented, concluding that, counter-intuitively, it is not only faster but also easier to tune up two frequencies than one. This robustness makes the approach suitable for real applications.

Statistical description of an ideal gas in maximum length quantum mechanics

We discuss the effects of the recent proposed Generalized Uncertainty Principle (GUP) (Perivolaropoulos, 2017), which includes a maximum length on the thermostatistics of an ideal gas. In the framework of this modified version of quantum mechanics, the deformed Schrödinger equation is solved analytically for a particle in an infinite square-well potential, then the corresponding energy spectrum is extracted. By computing the modified canonical partition function, the thermodynamic properties of the system are investigated within the canonical and microcanonical ensembles; the results show a complete consistency between both statistical descriptions. Furthermore, a comparison with the results obtained in the context of the minimal length GUP indicates that the maximum length induces fundamentally different effects, which become important at high temperatures and for large space confining the system. Especially, a modified equation of state, similar to that of real gases, emerges in the scope of this new formalism.

Controlling the Quantum State with a time varying potential

The problem of controlling the quantum state of a system is investigated using a time varying potential. As a concrete example we study the problem of a particle in a box with a periodically oscillating infinite square-well potential, from which we obtain results that can be applied to systems with periodically oscillating boundary conditions. We derive an analytic expression for the frequencies of resonance between states, and against standard intuition, we show how to use this behavior to control the quantum state of the system at will. In particular, we offer as an example the transition from the ground state to the first excited state of the square well potential. At first sight, it may be counter intuitive that we can control the state of such a quantum Hamiltonian, as the Schrödinger equation conserves the norm of the wave function. In this manuscript, we show how that can be achieved.

Simulation of time-dependent Heisenberg models in one dimension

In this paper, we provide a theoretical analysis of strongly interacting quantum systems confined by a time-dependent external potential in one spatial dimension. We show that such systems can be used to simulate spin chains described by Heisenberg Hamiltonians in which the exchange coupling constants can be manipulated by time-dependent driving of the shape of the external confinement. As illustrative examples, we consider a harmonic trapping potential with a variable frequency and an infinite square-well potential with a time-dependent barrier in the middle.

Local Exact Controllability of a One-Dimensional Nonlinear Schrödinger Equation

We consider a one-dimensional nonlinear Schrodinger equation, modeling a Bose--Einstein condensate in an infinite square-well potential (box). This is a nonlinear control system in which the state is the wave function of the Bose--Einstein condensate and the control is the length of the box. We prove that local exact controllability around the ground state (associated with a fixed length of the box) holds generically with respect to the chemical potential $\mu $, i.e., up to an at most countable set of $\mu $-values. The proof relies on the linearization principle and the inverse mapping theorem, as well as ideas from analytic perturbation theory.

Nonlinear Schrödinger equation containing the time-derivative of the probability density: A numerical study

A nonlinear Schrödinger equation that contains the time-derivative of the probability density is investigated, which is motivated by the attempt to include the recoil effect of radiation. This equation has the same stationary solutions as its linear counterpart, and these solutions are the eigen-states of the corresponding linear Hamiltonian. The equation leads to the usual continuity equation and thus maintains the normalization of the wave function. For the non-stationary solutions, numerical calculations are carried out for the one-dimensional infinite square-well potential (1D ISWP) and for several time-dependent potentials that tend to the former as time increases. Results show that for various initial states, the wave function always evolves into some eigen-state of the corresponding linear Hamiltonian of the 1D ISWP. For a small time-dependent perturbation potential, solutions present the process similar to the spontaneous transition between stationary states. For a periodical potential with an appropriate frequency, solutions present the process similar to the stimulated transition. This nonlinear Schrödinger equation thus presents the state evolution similar to the wave-function reduction.

The infinite square well potential and the evolution operator method for the purpose of overcoming misconceptions in quantum mechanics

This paper explains and illustrates the application of the evolution operator method to solve problems in quantum mechanics. Currently, this method has been proposed as a useful way to overcome some misconceptions in quantum mechanics. To illustrate the method, we apply it to analyze and study the case of a quantum system inside an infinite square well potential (ISWP), and compare this result with that obtained using the traditional method. Also, we analyze the collapse and revival phenomenon in the ISWP. In this case, we argue that the usual approach to studying this effect requires one to extend the function’s domain to infinity; however, there has not been any assurance that this extension preserves the self-adjointness of the Hamiltonian operator. The self-adjointness of the Hamiltonian operator is a vital requirement to guarantee the uniqueness of the Schrödinger equation’s solution.

Solutions of the Klein-Gordon equation in an infinite square-well potential with a moving wall

Employing a transformation to hyperbolic space, we derive in a simple way exact solutions for the Klein-Gordon equation in an infinite square-well potential with one boundary moving at constant velocity, for the massless as well as for the massive case.

Quantum effective force in an expanding infinite square-well potential and Bohmian perspective

The Schrödinger equation is solved for the case of a particle confined to a small region of a box with infinite walls. If the walls of the well are moved, then, due to an effective quantum nonlocal interaction with the boundary, even though the particle is nowhere near the walls, it will be affected. It is shown that this force apart from a minus sign is equal to the expectation value of the gradient of the quantum potential for vanishing at the walls boundary condition. The variation of this force with time is studied. A selection of Bohmian trajectories of the confined particle is also computed.

Generalized Heisenberg algebra and algebraic method: The example of an infinite square-well potential

We discuss the role of generalized Heisenberg algebras (GHA) in obtaining an algebraic method to describe physical systems. The method consists in finding the GHA associated to a physical system and the relations between its generators and the physical observables. We choose as an example the infinite square-well potential for which we discuss the representations of the corresponding GHA. We suggest a way of constructing a physical realization of the generators of some GHA and apply it to the square-well potential. An expression for the position operator x in terms of the generators of the algebra is given and we compute its matrix elements.

Accelerator modes of square well system

We study accelerator modes of a particle, confined in an one-dimensional infinite square-well potential, subjected to a time-periodic pulsed field. Dynamics of such a particle can be described by one generalization of the kicked rotor. In comparison with the kicked rotor, this generalization is shown to have a much larger parametric space for existence of the modes. Using this freedom we provide evidence that accelerator mode assisted anomalous transport is greatly enhanced when low order resonances are exposed at the border of chaos. We also present signature of the enhanced transport in the quantum domain.

Approximations of time-dependent phenomena in quantum mechanics: adiabatic versus sudden processes

By means of a one-dimensional model of a particle in an infinite square-well potential with one wall moving at a constant speed, we examine aspects of time-dependent phenomena in quantum mechanics such as adiabatic and sudden processes. The particle is assumed to be initially in the ground state of the potential with its initial width. The time dependence of the wavefunction of the particle in the well is generally more complicated when the potential well is compressed than when it is expanded. We are particularly interested in the case in which the potential well is suddenly compressed. The so-called sudden approximation is not applicable in this case. We also study the energy of the particle in the changing well as a function of time for expansion and contraction as well as for expansion followed by contraction and vice versa.

CONSTRUCTION OF A NON-STANDARD QUANTUM FIELD THEORY USING GENERALIZED HEISENBERG ALGEBRA

We herein construct a Heisenberg-like algebra for the one-dimensional quantum free Klein–Gordon equation defined on the interval of the real line of length L. Using the realization of the ladder operators of this Heisenberg-type algebra in terms of physical operators we build a (3+1)-dimensional free quantum field theory based on this algebra. We introduce fields written in terms of the ladder operators of this Heisenberg-type algebra and a free quantum Hamiltonian in terms of these fields. The mass spectrum of the physical excitations of this quantum field theory is given by [Formula: see text], where n=1,2,… and mq is the mass of a particle in a relativistic infinite square-well potential of width L.

Heisenberg-type structures of one-dimensional quantum Hamiltonians

We construct a Heisenberg-like algebra for the one dimensional infinite square-well potential in quantum mechanics. The ladder operators are realized in terms of physical operators of the system as in the harmonic oscillator algebra. These physical operators are obtained with the help of variables used in a recently developed non commutative differential calculus. This \textquotedblleft square-well algebra\textquotedblright is an example of an algebra in a large class of generalized Heisenberg algebras recently constructed. This class of algebras also contains $q$-oscillators as a particular case. We also discuss the physical content of this large class of algebras.

Ground state energy of a polaron in a superlattice

The ground state energy of a polaron in a superlattice was calculated using the double-time Green functions. The effective mass of the polaron along the planes perpendicular to the superlattice axis was also calculated. The dependence of the ground state energy and the effective mass along the planes perpendicular to the superlattice axis on the electron–phonon coupling constant α and on the superlattice parameters (i.e. the superlattice periodd and the bandwidth Δ) were studied. It was observed that if an infinite square-well potential is assumed, the ground state energy of the polaron decreases (i.e. becomes more negative) with increasing α and d, but increases with increasing Δ. For small values of α, the polaron ground state energy varies slowly with Δ, becoming approximately constant for large Δ. The effective mass along the planes perpendicular to the superlattice axis was found to be approximately equal to the mass of an electron for all typical values ofα , d and Δ.

Analytical investigation of revival phenomena in the finite square-well potential

We present an analytical investigation of revival phenomena in the finite square-well potential. The classical motion, revival, and super-revival time scales are derived exactly for wave packets excited in the finite well. These time scales exhibit a richer dependence on wave-packet energy and on potential-well depth than has been found in other quantum systems: They explain, for example, the difficulties in exciting wave packets with strong classical features at the bottom of a finite well, or with clearly resolved super-revivals in a shallow well. In the proper regions of validity, the time scales predict the instances of wave-packet reformation extremely accurately. Revivals at the bottom of the well are explored as a ``universal'' limit of the general theory, which offers the clearest connection with the series of fractional and full revivals seen in the dynamics of the infinite square-well potential.

Validity of Feynman’s prescription of disregarding the Pauli principle in intermediate states

Regarding the Pauli principle in quantum field theory and in many-body quantum mechanics, Feynman advocated that Pauli's exclusion principle can be completely ignored in intermediate states of perturbation theory. He observed that all virtual processes (of the same order) that violate the Pauli principle cancel out. Feynman accordingly introduced a prescription, which is to disregard the Pauli principle in all intermediate processes. This ingeneous trick is of crucial importance in the Feynman diagram technique. We show, however, an example in which Feynman's prescription fails. This casts doubts on the general validity of Feynman's prescription.

Effect of zero modes on the bound-state spectrum in light-cone quantisation

We study the role of bosonic zero modes in light-cone quantisation on the invariant mass spectrum for the simplified setting of two-dimensional SU(2) Yang-Mills theory coupled to massive scalar adjoint matter. Specifically, we use discretised light-cone quantisation where the momentum modes become discrete. Two types of zero momentum mode appear – constrained and dynamical zero modes. In fact only the latter type of modes turn out to mix with the Fock vacuum. Omission of the constrained modes leads to the dynamical zero modes being controlled by an infinite square-well potential. We find that taking into account the wavefunctions for these modes in the computation of the full bound state spectrum of the two dimensional theory leads to 21% shifts in the masses of the lowest lying states.