Can I find ψ(x) from a(k) in quantum physics?

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In summary, the conversation discusses the definition of \psi(x) in quantum physics and its relation to a(k) and k, as well as the normalization of a(k) and difficulties with the Fourier Integral. The suggestion is made to substitute \phi(p) in the integral and use partial integration to solve the resulting finite integrals.
  • #1
QuantumJG
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In quantum physics we've defined:

[tex] \psi (x) = \sqrt{ \dfrac{1}{2 \pi \hbar} } \int^{ \infty }_{- \infty } \phi (p) exp \left( i \dfrac{px}{ \hbar}} \right) dp [/tex]

Now,

[tex] a(k) \equiv \sqrt{ \hbar } \phi (p) [/tex] and [tex] k = \dfrac{p}{ \hbar } [/tex]

Where,

[tex] a(k) = \left\{ \begin{array}{cccc} 0 & k < - \dfrac{ \epsilon }{2} \\ \sigma + \dfrac{2 \sigma }{ \epsilon } k & - \dfrac{ \epsilon }{2} < k < 0 \\ \sigma - \dfrac{2 \sigma }{ \epsilon } k & 0 < k < \dfrac{ \epsilon }{2} \\ 0 & k > \dfrac{ \epsilon }{2} \\ \end{array} [/tex]

Normalizing a(k) I get σ to be:

[tex] \sigma = \sqrt{ \dfrac{3}{ \epsilon } } [/tex]

But I can't get anything reasonable from the Fourier Integral.
 
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  • #2
Can anybody at least give a hint?
 
  • #3
In your integral, set [tex]\phi(p) = a(k)/\sqrt{\hbar}[/tex] and substitute all p's by k's. Then you have just two finite integrals, solvable by partial integration. If you need help with the integration, show your substitution.
 

FAQ: Can I find ψ(x) from a(k) in quantum physics?

How do you find ψ(x) from a(k)?

The function ψ(x) can be found by taking the inverse Fourier transform of the function a(k). This can be done using the formula ψ(x) = (1/√(2π)) ∫ a(k)e^(ikx)dk.

What is the relationship between ψ(x) and a(k)?

The functions ψ(x) and a(k) are related through the Fourier transform. ψ(x) represents the spatial distribution of a wave function, while a(k) represents the corresponding distribution in momentum space.

Can ψ(x) be calculated without knowing a(k)?

In most cases, it is not possible to calculate ψ(x) without knowing a(k). The Fourier transform is necessary to convert between the two representations.

What is the significance of finding ψ(x) from a(k)?

Finding ψ(x) from a(k) allows us to understand the wave-like behavior of particles and their corresponding momentum distributions. This is important in fields such as quantum mechanics and particle physics.

Are there any limitations to finding ψ(x) from a(k)?

There may be limitations to finding ψ(x) from a(k) depending on the complexity of the function a(k). In some cases, the inverse Fourier transform may not be analytically solvable and numerical methods may be required.

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