How to identify admissible functions in QM by simple math?

In summary, the conversation discusses the concept of inadmissible solutions in QM literature, which are discontinuous, not single-valued, not square-integrable, and not infinitely differentiable. However, some functions that were initially thought to be admissible, such as ##e^{-x}## and ##e^{-3x}##, were later identified as inadmissible by Dr. Du. The conversation also mentions Dr. Du's ability to quickly identify whether a function satisfies the criteria for QM without the use of mathematical software. The discussion concludes with the question of how to determine if a function is an acceptable solution to the Schrödinger equation without extensive analysis.
  • #1
SemM
Gold Member
195
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Hi, in QM literature the inadmissible solutions to the Schrödinger eqn are often , if not always, quoted in the text as "inadmissible", because they are discontinuous, not-single valued, not square integrable and not infinitely differentiable. However in a discussion with Dr Du yesterday, various functions resulted as inadmissible, such as x, ##x^2## which the author later realized the reason for (not being infinity differentiable).

However ,as the discussion continued, the next suggestions, ##e^{−x}## and ##e^{−3x}## were easily identified by Dr Du to also be inadmissible. At first, and even second glance, I cannot see why these are inadmissible, because they are infinitely differentiable , they appear as being indeed single valued, however they are perhaps not square integrable.

In a textbook, the criteria say

"(...) where the domain ##\mathscr{D}(D) \subset L^2(-\infty, +\infty)## consists of all functions ##\psi \in L^2(-\infty, +\infty)## which are absolutely continuous on every compact interval on R, and such that ##D\psi \in L^2(-\infty,+\infty).##"

Here again, the functions are absolutely continuous in an infinite interval. But I wonder, how can one verify that without using mathematical software?

How can one "train" or which immediate features can one spot in a function to see rapidly, as Dr Du did, that a function does not satisfy the 4 criteria of QM?

As an example, any function including tan(x) would be assumed discontinuous, and any function without "i" in it, can be assumed to be not-square integrable. But what about functions that are more complex than so, how can one find if they are accepted as solutions to the Schrödinger eqn without excessive use of software?

Thanks
 
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  • #2
SemM said:
...and any function without "i" in it, can be assumed to be not-square integrable.
Thanks

##e^{-x^2}## is square-integrable. In the QM context the 'square' is ##\psi^{*}\psi## which is not complex.
 
  • #3
Mentz114 said:
##e^{-x^2}## is square-integrable. In the QM context the 'square' is ##\psi^{*}\psi## which is not complex.

What is the hermitian counter part of ##e^{-x^2}##? In any case, I was looking for a way to see how a function fits in the criteria of QM without extensive analysis.

Thanks
 

Related to How to identify admissible functions in QM by simple math?

1. What is the definition of an admissible function in quantum mechanics?

An admissible function in quantum mechanics is a mathematical function that satisfies the Schrödinger equation, which is the fundamental equation of quantum mechanics. It represents the wave function of a quantum system and describes the behavior and evolution of the system over time.

2. How do you determine if a function is admissible in quantum mechanics?

To determine if a function is admissible in quantum mechanics, you can use simple mathematical techniques such as differentiation and integration to check if the function satisfies the Schrödinger equation. If the function satisfies the equation, then it is considered admissible.

3. Are there any restrictions on the form of admissible functions in quantum mechanics?

Yes, there are restrictions on the form of admissible functions in quantum mechanics. The function must be continuous, single-valued, and square-integrable. This means that the function must not have any discontinuities, must have a well-defined value at every point, and must have a finite integral over its entire domain.

4. Can admissible functions in quantum mechanics be complex?

Yes, admissible functions in quantum mechanics can be complex. In fact, most admissible functions in quantum mechanics are complex because they involve imaginary numbers that are necessary to describe the quantum system's behavior accurately.

5. What are some common examples of admissible functions in quantum mechanics?

Some common examples of admissible functions in quantum mechanics include the wave function for a free particle, the harmonic oscillator, and the hydrogen atom. These functions have been extensively studied and have well-defined mathematical forms that satisfy the Schrödinger equation.

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