Energy levels of exponential potential

In summary, the conversation is about finding the eigenfunctions and estimating the energy levels of a particle in an exponential potential. The time independent Schrodinger equation is used and two changes of variables are made. The solutions are Bessel functions and the normalization constant A must be calculated by integrating from 0 to infinity. The second question involves estimating the energies by finding the zeros of the Bessel function. The Bessel functions can only be finite at the origin when the order is a positive integer.
  • #1
castlemaster
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Homework Statement



Find the eigenfunctions (with angular momentum 0) and the estimation of the 3 first energy levels (given g and a) of a particle in a exponential potential such as

V = -ge-r/a

Homework Equations



Time independent Schrodinger equation (SE)

The Attempt at a Solution



Did a first change of variables for the radial part of the SE R= u/r
Did a second change [itex]\sigma[/itex] = Ke-r/2a to reach the Bessel equation

Then the solutions are Bessel functions and cannot diverge at r = 0. Therefore I end up with

[itex]\Phi(r) = A J_{\nu}(Ke^{-r/2a})[/itex]

First question is: how I calculate the normalisation constant A? I guess I have to integrate from 0 to infinity and do a change of variable ... but then I get an ugly integral with the Bessel function divided by r

Second question: how do I estimate the first energies giving values to g and a? Should I seek the zeros of the bessel function?

Thanks in advance
 
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  • #2
Hi,

I think I see question 2 now.
The Bessel functions are only finite at the origin when the order [itex]\nu[/itex] is a positive integer. Then I only have to be sure K is big enough for the Bessel functions to have 3 zeros, that's it bigger than 5.1356 which is the first zero of J2 . This gives me a relation between a and g.
Then the energies are compute for [itex]\nu[/itex] = 0,1 and 2

For the first question I think there is a series expansion of the bessel functions from where I can take the constant A.

Regards
 

FAQ: Energy levels of exponential potential

What is an exponential potential?

An exponential potential is a type of potential energy that increases or decreases at an exponential rate as the distance from a source increases. It is commonly seen in fields such as quantum mechanics and statistical mechanics.

How are energy levels determined in an exponential potential?

Energy levels in an exponential potential are determined by solving the Schrödinger equation, which describes the behavior of particles in quantum mechanics. The equation takes into account the shape and depth of the potential, as well as the mass and charge of the particle.

Can the energy levels of an exponential potential be measured experimentally?

Yes, the energy levels of an exponential potential can be measured through spectroscopy techniques. By using a laser or other light source, scientists can measure the absorption or emission of energy by the particles in the potential, allowing them to determine the energy levels present.

How do changes in the potential affect the energy levels?

Changes in the potential, such as altering the shape or depth, can significantly impact the energy levels. For example, increasing the depth of the potential well can lead to a higher number of energy levels being present. Similarly, changing the shape of the potential can result in different energy levels being allowed or prohibited.

What real-world applications does the study of energy levels in exponential potentials have?

The study of energy levels in exponential potentials has many practical applications, such as in the design of electronic devices, understanding chemical reactions, and developing new materials. It is also essential in fields such as quantum computing and nuclear physics.

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