Quantum harmonic oscillator Hamiltonian

This gives the Hamiltonian operator of a particle in a harmonic potential well, acting on its wavefunction. Setting it equal to an energy times the wavefunction gives the stationary states of a quantum oscillator, used throughout quantum mechanics and molecular physics.

\hat{H}\psi(x) = \left(-\frac{\hbar^2}{2m}\frac{d^2}{dx^2} + \frac{1}{2}kx^2\right)\psi(x)

What the symbols mean

Hamiltonian (energy) operator, in joules
wavefunction of the particle at position x
reduced Planck constant, in J\cdot s
mass of the particle, in kg
spring constant of the potential, in N/m
position coordinate, in m

About this formula

  • FieldPhysics
  • TopicQuantum mechanics
  • LevelUniversity
  • Also calledquantum harmonic oscillator, quantum oscillator Hamiltonian, harmonic oscillator Schrodinger equation, quantum oscillator energy operator, Hamiltonian of a particle in a harmonic potential, time-independent Schrodinger equation harmonic oscillator
  • SourceWikidata Q677864

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