The Linear Harmonic Oscillator (1D) :-

Q: i)Write down the Schrodinger equation for a stationary state of a simple

harmonic oscillator confined to x axis. What is the nature of the solution as x→ ±∞ ?
ii)Find the Eigen values of the energy. (2002)
iii)Find the normalized wave function.
iv)Plot few wave functions and also corresponding probability current density.
Wave equation for the oscillator:- The time independent Schrö dinger wave
equation for the linear motion of a particle along the x- axis,

−ħ2 𝑑2𝜓
+ 𝑉(𝑥)𝜓 = 𝐸𝜓
2𝑚 𝑑𝑥 2
2
𝑑 𝜓 2𝑚
𝑂𝑟, 2 + (𝐸 − 𝑉)𝜓 = 0 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (1)
𝑑𝑥 ħ2
Where E is the total energy, V is the potential energy and 𝜓 is the wave function for
the particle.

For a linear S.H.O. along the x- axis with angular frequency 𝜔 under a restoring
force proportional to the displacement 𝑥, the potential energy,
1
𝑉 = 𝑚 𝜔2 𝑥 2 ................... (2)
2

Substituting value of V in (1)

𝑑 2 𝜓 2𝑚 1
+ (𝐸 − 𝑚 𝜔2 𝑥 2 ) 𝜓 = 0
𝑑𝑥 2 ħ2 2
𝑑2𝜓 2𝑚 𝐸 𝑚2 𝜔2 2
𝑜𝑟, 2 + ( 2 − 𝑥 )𝜓
𝑑𝑥 ħ ħ2
= 0. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (3)
This is the Schrodinger wave equation for the oscillator.
To simplify the above equation, we introduce a dimension less independent variable
y,
𝑚𝜔
𝑦 = 𝑎𝑥 ; 𝑊ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒 𝑎 = √
ħ

𝑦 𝑑𝑦
∴𝑥= ∴ =𝑎
𝑎 𝑑𝑥
 𝑑𝜓 𝑑𝜓 𝑑𝑦 𝑑𝜓
Now, = =𝑎
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑦 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑦

𝑑2𝜓 𝑑 2 𝜓 𝑑𝑦 2
𝑑2𝜓
𝐴𝑛𝑑 =𝑎 = 𝑎
𝑑𝑥 2 𝑑𝑦 2 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑦 2
𝑑2𝜓
Substituting the values of 𝑥 2 𝑎𝑛𝑑 in equation (3);
𝑑𝑦 2
𝑑2𝜓
2
2𝑚 𝐸
𝑎 + ( − 𝑎2 𝑦 2 ) 𝜓 = 0
𝑑𝑦 2 ħ2
𝑑2𝜓 2𝑚 𝐸
𝑂𝑟, 2 + ( 2 2 − 𝑦 2 ) 𝜓 = 0
𝑑𝑦 𝑎 ħ
2
𝑑 𝜓 2𝐸
𝑂𝑟, 2 + ( − 𝑦2) 𝜓 = 0
𝑑𝑦 ħ𝜔
2
𝑑 𝜓
𝑂𝑟, 2 + ( 𝜆 − 𝑦 2 ) 𝜓 = 0. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (4)
𝑑𝑦
2𝐸
𝑊ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒 𝜆 = . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (5)
ħ𝜔

Solution:- To solve the above equation let us try first an asymptotic solution i.e.
when
𝑦 >> 𝜆.
∴Equations (4)reduces to,
𝑑2𝜓
2
− 𝑦 2 𝜓 = 0 . . . . . . . . . . (6)
𝑑𝑦
Which has approximate solution,
𝑦2
−
𝜓= 𝑒 2 … … … … (7)

𝑦2
[since 𝜓 → 0 𝑤ℎ𝑒𝑛 𝑦 → 0 , 𝑤𝑒 𝑟𝑒𝑗𝑒𝑐𝑡 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑓𝑜𝑟𝑚 𝑒 2 ]

𝑑𝜓 𝑦2
−
∴ = −𝑦 𝑒 2 = −𝑦𝜓
𝑑𝑦
&,
𝑑2𝜓 𝑑𝜓
= − (𝜓 + 𝑦 )
𝑑𝑦 2 𝑑𝑦
= −(𝜓 − 𝑦 2 𝜓)
 = (𝑦 2 − 1)𝜓
𝑑2𝜓
𝑜𝑟, 2 − (𝑦 2 − 1) 𝜓 = 0. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (8)
𝑑𝑦
For large values of 𝑦 equation (8) is reduced to equation (6). This suggests an
accurate solution of the equation (6) must be in the form,
𝑦2
−
𝜓 = 𝑓(𝑦)𝑒 ..................... (9)
2

Where 𝑓(𝑦) is a finite polynomial in y.

To solve the equation (4) let us change the equation into a different equation for
dependent variable 𝑓(𝑦).

𝑑𝜓 𝑦 2 𝑑𝑓 𝑦2
− −
= 𝑒 2 + 𝑓 𝑒 2 (−𝑦)
𝑑𝑦 𝑑𝑦
𝑑𝑓 𝑦2
−
= ( − 𝑓𝑦) 𝑒 2
𝑑𝑦
2
𝑑 𝜓 𝑑2𝑓 𝑑𝑓 −
𝑦2 𝑑𝑓 −
𝑦2
𝑜𝑟, 2 = ( 2 − 𝑦 − 𝑓 ) 𝑒 2 + ( − 𝑓𝑦) 𝑒 2 (−𝑦)
𝑑𝑦 𝑑𝑦 𝑑𝑦 𝑑𝑦
2 𝑦2
𝑑 𝑓 𝑑𝑓 2 −
= ( 2 − 2𝑦 − 𝑓 + 𝑓𝑦 ) 𝑒 2
𝑑𝑦 𝑑𝑦
∴ 𝐸𝑞 (4) 𝑟𝑒𝑑𝑢𝑐𝑒𝑠 𝑡𝑜,
𝑑2𝑓 𝑑𝑓 2 −
𝑦2
2 −
𝑦2
( 2 − 2𝑦 − 𝑓 + 𝑓𝑦 ) 𝑒 2 + ( 𝜆 − 𝑦 )𝑓 𝑒 2 = 0
𝑑𝑦 𝑑𝑦
𝑑2𝑓 𝑑𝑓
𝑂𝑟 , − 2𝑦 + ( 𝜆 − 1) 𝑓
𝑑𝑦 2 𝑑𝑦
= 0. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (10)
Replacing 𝜆 = 2𝑛 + 1 , (𝑛 = 0,1,2 , . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ) Equation (10) becomes
𝑑2𝑓 𝑑𝑓
− 2𝑦 + 2𝑛 𝑓 = 0
𝑑𝑦 2 𝑑𝑦
This is well known Hermite’s differential equation. The solutions of the equation are
called Hermite’s Polynomials and are given by,

2 𝑑 𝑛 −𝑦2
𝐻𝑛 (𝑦) = (−1) 𝑛 𝑒 𝑦 𝑒 . . . . . . . . . . . . (11)
𝑑𝑦 𝑛

Eigen values :- For physical significance only those solutions of the Hermite eq (10)
are acceptable , for all values of 𝑦 for which ,
 𝜆 = 2𝑛 + 1 [ n = 0,1,2,........called quantum
numbers]
2𝐸
Substituting , 𝜆 = ,
ħ𝜔

ħ𝜔
𝐸 = (2𝑛 + 1)
2
1
𝑂𝑟, 𝐸 = (𝑛 + )ħ𝜔
2
Or more generally,
1
𝐸𝑛 = (𝑛 + ) ħ𝜔 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (12)
2
From equation (12) we have the following conclusions,
1. The wave equations for the oscillator is satisfied only for discrete values of
total energies,
2. The lowest energy of the oscillator is obtained by putting n = 0 and it is,
1
𝐸0 = ħ𝜔
2
This is called the ground state energy or the zero point energy of the harmonic
oscillator.
(iii) The eigen values of the total energy depends only on one quantum number ‘n’ ;
all energy levels are hence non degenerate .
(iv) The successive energy levels are equally spaced; separation between two
adjacent energy level being ħ 𝜔0 .

Wave functions :- For each value of ‘n’ there is a different wave function 𝜓𝑛 which
have the general form ,
𝑦2
−
𝜓𝑛 (𝑦) = 𝑁𝑛 𝐻𝑛 (𝑦)𝑒 2

𝑎2 𝑥2
− 𝑚𝜔
Or, 𝜓𝑛 (𝑥) = 𝑁𝑛 𝐻𝑛 (𝑎𝑥)𝑒 2 where a = √
ħ

𝑁𝑛 is the normalization constant and is defined from the requirement,

∞
∫−∞ 𝜓𝑛∗ (𝑥) 𝜓𝑛 (𝑥) 𝑑𝑥 = 1
1 ∞ 𝑦
Or,
𝑎
∫−∞ 𝜓𝑛∗ (𝑦) 𝜓𝑛 (𝑦) 𝑑𝑦 = 1 [𝑥 = ]
𝑎

1 ∞ 2
Or ∫−∞ 𝑁𝑛2 𝑒 −𝑦 𝐻𝑛2 (𝑦)𝑑𝑦 = 1
𝑎
Using the relation of Hermit’s polynomial ,
∞ 2
∫−∞ 𝑒 −𝑦 𝐻𝑛 (𝑦)𝐻𝑚 (𝑦)𝑑𝑦 = 2𝑛 𝑛! √𝜋𝛿𝑚𝑛
𝑁𝑛2
2𝑛 𝑛! √𝜋 = 1
𝑎
1
𝑎 1
Or , 𝑁𝑛 = [ ] 2
2𝑛 𝑛! √𝜋

1 𝑦2
𝑎 1 −
∴ 𝜓𝑛 (𝑦) = [ ] 𝑒
2 2 𝐻𝑛 (𝑦).
2𝑛 𝑛! √𝜋

First few Hermite polynomials corresponding to the eigen values and

wave functions are given below.

λ=2n+1 𝑬𝒏 𝑯𝒏 (𝒚) 𝟏 𝒚𝟐
𝒂 𝟏
𝝍𝒏 (𝒚) = [𝟐𝒏 𝒏! ] 𝟐 𝒆− 𝟐 𝑯𝒏 (𝒚).
√ 𝝅

1 1 𝐻0 (𝑦) = 1 1 𝑦2
𝑎
ℏ𝜔 Ψ0 (𝑦) = [ ] 2 𝑒− 2
2 √ 𝜋

3 1 𝐻1 (𝑦)=2y 𝑎 𝑦2
−
ℏ𝜔 Ψ1 (𝑦) = [ ] 2y𝑒 2
2 2√𝜋

5 1 𝐻2 (𝑦) = 4𝑦 2 − 1 𝑎 1
−
𝑦2
ℏ𝜔 Ψ2 (𝑦) = [ ] 2 (4𝑦 2 − 1)𝑒 2
2 8√𝜋

7 1 𝐻3 (𝑦) = 8𝑦 3 − 12𝑦 𝑎 1
ℏ𝜔 Ψ3 (𝑦) = [ ] 2 (8𝑦 3
2 48√𝜋
𝑦2
− 12𝑦)𝑒 − 2

9 1 𝐻4 (𝑦) 𝑎 1
ℏ𝜔 Ψ4 (𝑦) = [ ] 2 (16𝑦 4 − 48𝑦 2
2 = 16𝑦 4 − 48𝑦 2 384√𝜋
+ 12 𝑦2
−
+ 12) 𝑒 2
 QuantizedSolutionsOfThe1DSchroedingerEquationForAHarmonicOsc.cdf

Q:Calculate probability density for the 1d LHO classically. Compare with quantum
result.

Correspondence with classical oscillator :- The classical probability of finding the

particle performing a linear S.H.M , within the distance between 𝑥 and 𝑥 + 𝑑𝑥 from
its equilibrium position is the ratio of the time ‘dt’ which particles takes to pass over
distance dx in one oscillation to the period of oscillation T;

i.e. Probability of finding it in 𝑑𝑥,

2𝑑𝑡 2𝑑𝑡
𝑃(𝑥)𝑑𝑥 = = = 𝜔𝑑𝑡/𝜋
𝑇 2𝜋
𝜔
Now 𝑥 = 𝐴 𝑠𝑖𝑛 (𝜔𝑡 + 𝜃)

∴ 𝑑𝑥 = 𝐴𝜔 cos( 𝜔𝑡 + 𝜃) 𝑑𝑡
𝑑𝑥
∴ 𝑑𝑡 =
A𝜔 cos ( 𝜔𝑡 + 𝜃)
𝑑𝑥
=
𝐴𝜔√1 − 𝑠𝑖𝑛2 (𝜔𝑡 + 𝜃
𝑑𝑥
=
𝑥2
𝐴𝜔√1 −
𝐴2
𝑑𝑥
=
𝜔√𝐴2 − 𝑥 2
𝑑𝑥
∴ 𝑃(𝑥)𝑑𝑥 =
𝜋√𝐴2 − 𝑥 2
1
𝑖. 𝑒. 𝑃 (𝑥) = . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (1)
𝜋√𝐴2 − 𝑥 2
According to the quantum mechanics the probability – density,

𝑃 (𝑥) = 𝜓𝑛 (𝑥) 𝜓𝑛∗ (𝑥) .................... (2)

For ground state (n =0),

1 −𝑎2 𝑥2
1
𝜓0 (𝑥) = ( ) 2 𝑒 2
𝑥 √

−𝑎2 𝑥2
2 1
∴ 𝑃0 (𝑥) = |𝜓0 | = ( ) 𝑒 2
𝑥 √

This shows probability of finding particle is maximum at x=0 and decreases on

either side of x=0.
But equation (1) says the probability of finding the particle is maximum at 𝑥 = ±𝐴
i.e. at the end of the paths and minimum at 𝑥 = 0 . Here there is contradiction in the
two cases .

However for longer values of n the quantum mechanical probability density

approaches to classical probability density.

For 𝑛 = 0 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑛 = 10 , 𝑛 = 50, the classical and quantum mechanical probability

density are shown below.

QuantumClassicalCorrespondenceForTheHarmonicOscillator.cdf

Algebraic method to solve S.H.O problem; Raising and Lowering operators :-

Q: i) Define creation and annihilation operators for a one-dimensional harmonic

oscillator.
i) Write down their properties and prove them.
ii) Obtain the commutation relation they obey. Find how they commute with
the Hamiltonian and give an interpretation. (2006)

Let us introduce two operators,

𝑚𝜔 𝑖𝑃̂
𝑎̂ = √ 𝑥̂ +
2ħ √2𝑚𝜔ħ

𝑚𝜔 𝑖𝑃̂
𝑎̂+ = √ 𝑥̂ −
2ħ √2𝑚𝜔ħ

̂ 𝑎̂+ we have the following conclusions,

From the definition of 𝑎,

𝑖) 𝑎̂, 𝑎̂+ are dimensionless operators.

𝑖𝑖) 𝑎̂, 𝑎̂+ are not Hermitian but (𝑎̂+ ) +

= 𝑎̂

𝑖𝑖𝑖)𝑎̂, 𝑎̂+ satisfy the communication relation

̂ 𝑎̂+ ] = 1
[𝑎,
Proof iii): The product gives ,

𝑚𝜔 𝑖𝑃̂ 𝑚𝜔 𝑖𝑃̂
̂ 𝑎̂+ ] = [(√
[𝑎, 𝑥̂ + ) , (√ 𝑥̂ − )]
2ħ √2𝑚𝜔ħ 2ħ √2𝑚𝜔ħ
𝑚𝜔 1
=√ × [(𝑥̂ + 𝑖𝑃̂), (𝑥̂ − 𝑖𝑃̂)]
2ħ √2𝑚𝜔ħ
1
= {[𝑥̂, 𝑥̂] + 𝑖[𝑃̂, 𝑥̂] − 𝑖[𝑥̂, 𝑃̂] + [𝑃̂, 𝑃̂]}
2ℏ
1
= {−2𝑖[𝑥̂, 𝑃̂]}
2ℏ
= {−2𝑖 × 𝑖ℏ}
=1

̂ can be represented by 𝒂
𝑖𝑣)Hamiltonian operator 𝑯 ̂ + as,
̂, 𝒂

̂ = ħ𝜔 (𝑎̂+ 𝑎̂ + 1 )..................................(3)
𝐻
2

1
̂ = ħ𝜔 (𝑎̂𝑎̂+ −
𝐻 )..................................(4)
2

Proof: The product gives ,

𝑚𝜔 𝑖𝑃̂ 𝑚𝜔 𝑖𝑃̂
ħ𝜔 𝑎̂+ 𝑎̂ = ħ𝜔 (√ 𝑥̂ − ) (√ 𝑥̂ + )
2ħ √2𝑚𝜔ħ 2ħ √2𝑚𝜔ħ
1 𝑃̂ 2 𝑖𝜔
2 2
= 𝑚𝜔 𝑥̂ + + (𝑥̂𝑃̂ − 𝑃̂𝑥̂)
2 2𝑚 2
1
̂−
=𝐻 ħ𝜔
2
̂ = (𝑎̂+ 𝑎̂ + 1) ħ𝜔
∴𝐻
2

1
̂ = (𝑎̂𝑎̂+ −
Similarly, 𝐻 ) ħ𝜔
2

̂𝒂
a) Commutation relation of 𝒂, ̂,
̂ + with 𝑯
1
̂ , 𝑎̂] = ħ𝜔 [𝑎̂+ 𝑎̂ +
[𝐻 , 𝑎̂] = ħ𝜔 [ 𝑎̂+ 𝑎̂, 𝑎̂]
2

= ħ𝜔 {[𝑎̂+ , 𝑎̂] 𝑎̂ + 𝑎̂+ [𝑎̂, 𝑎̂]

 = ħ𝜔[𝑎̂+ , 𝑎̂] 𝑎̂ {∴ [𝑎̂,̂𝑎+ ] = 1}

= − ħ𝜔 𝑎̂ ......................................... (6)
̂ , 𝑎̂+ ] = ħ𝜔𝑎̂+
Similarly [𝐻

Q: Using the above results

i) Show that 𝒂̂ behaves as the lowering operator. Hence define zero-point
energy.
̂ + behaves as the raising operator. Hence obtain nth energy value.
ii) Show that 𝒂
̂ belonging
Lowering operator and Zero point energy :- If 𝑢 is the eigen function of 𝐻
to the eigen value E of teh oscillator , we can write ,
̂ 𝑢 = 𝐸𝑢
𝐻
̂ , 𝑎̂] 𝑢 = (𝐻
Now [𝐻 ̂ , 𝑎̂ − 𝑎̂ 𝐻
̂ )𝑢 = − ħ𝜔 𝑎̂ 𝑢

̂ (𝑎̂𝑢) − 𝑎̂(𝐻
Or, 𝐻 ̂ 𝑢) = − ħ𝜔 𝑎̂𝑢

̂ (𝑎̂𝑢) − 𝐸𝑎̂𝑢 = − ħ𝜔 𝑎̂𝑢

Or, 𝐻
̂ (𝑎̂𝑢) = (𝐸 − ħ𝜔)(𝑎̂ 𝑢).................... (2)
Or, 𝐻
̂ with the eigen value 𝐸 – ħ𝜔.
Equation (2) says 𝑎̂ 𝑢 is an Eigen function of 𝐻

The operator 𝑎̂ is called the lowering operator.

Repeated application of 𝑎̂ to the eigen functions will finally lead to the state of
lowest energy , the ground state say 𝑢0

i.e. 𝑎̂ 𝑢0 = 0

̂ 𝑢0 = ħ𝜔(𝑎̂+ 𝑎̂, + 1) 𝑢0 =
𝐻
1
ħ𝜔𝑢0 ............... (3)
2 2
 1
This ground state energy 𝐸0 = ħ𝜔 is called zero point
2
energy.

Raising operator and energy eigen values:

̂ , 𝑎̂+ ]𝑢 = ħ𝜔𝑎̂+ 𝑢 ; we have;
Starting from the relation [𝐻
̂ 𝑎̂+ − 𝑎̂+ 𝐻
(𝐻 ̂ ) 𝑢 = ħ𝜔𝑎̂+ 𝑢

̂ (𝑎̂+ 𝑢) − 𝑎̂+ (𝐻
𝑂𝑟, 𝐻 ̂ 𝑢) = ħ𝜔𝑎̂+ 𝑢

̂ (𝑎̂+ 𝑢) − 𝐸𝑎̂+ 𝑢 = ħ𝜔 𝑎̂+ 𝑢

𝑂𝑟, 𝐻
̂ (𝑎̂+ 𝑢) = (𝐸 + ħ𝜔) 𝑎̂+ 𝑢
𝑂𝑟, 𝐻
̂ with the eigen value 𝐸 + ħ𝜔. Hence 𝑎̂+ is called
𝑎̂+ 𝑢 is an eigen function of 𝐻
raising operator.

For the ground state 𝑢0 , from equation (3);

̂ (𝑎̂+ 𝑢0 ) = (𝐸0 + ħ𝜔) 𝑎̂+ 𝑢0
𝐻
1
= ( + 1) ħ𝜔 𝑎̂+ 𝑢0
2

3
= ħ𝜔 𝑎̂+ 𝑢0
2

̂ (𝑎̂+ 𝑢0 ) = 𝐸1 (𝑎̂+ 𝑢0 )
𝐻
̂ (𝑢1 ) = 𝐸1 (𝑢1 )
𝐻
3
𝑢1 = 𝑎̂+ 𝑢0 is called 1st excited state. 𝐸1 = ħ𝜔 is the corresponding energy eigen
2
value.

Thus proceeding in the similar way, operating on 𝑢0 , n times with 𝑎̂+ , we obtain,

̂ {(𝑎̂+ )𝑛 𝑢0 } = (1 + 𝑛) ħ𝜔 (𝑎̂+ )𝑛 𝑢0
𝐻
2

̂ 𝑢𝑛 = 𝐸𝑛 𝑢𝑛
𝐻
1
Here 𝐸𝑛 = (𝑛 + ) ħ𝜔 is the energy eigen value in the nth state wave
2
function.
 Q: Explain number operator
The operator 𝑎̂+ 𝑎̂ is called the number operator as, it determines the quantum
number of the eigen state.

From the relation,

𝐻̂ 1
𝑎̂+ 𝑎̂ = − ,
ℏ𝜔 2
We have,
1 1
𝑎̂+ 𝑎̂ = ̂ −
𝐻
ħ𝜔 2
Thus ,
1 1
𝑎̂+ 𝑎̂ 𝜓𝑛 (𝑥) = [ 𝐻̂ − ] 𝜓𝑛 (𝑥)
ħ𝜔 2
1 1
= [(𝑛 + ) − ] 𝜓𝑛 (𝑥)
2 2
= 𝑛 𝜓𝑛 (𝑥)

Q: Using the raising and lowering operator Eigen function for 1d LHO.

Let 𝑢0 be the ground state wave function. Hence the lowering operator,

𝑚𝜔 𝑖𝑃̂
𝑎̂ = √ 𝑥̂ +
2ħ √2𝑚𝜔ħ
operating on it will produce zero.; i.e.
𝑎̂𝑢0 = 0
𝑚𝜔 𝑖 𝜕
𝑜𝑟, (√ 𝑥̂ + (−𝑖 ℏ )) 𝑢0 = 0
ħ √𝑚𝜔ħ 𝜕𝑥
𝑚𝜔 ℏ 𝜕
𝑜𝑟, (√ 𝑥̂ + ( )) 𝑢0 = 0
ħ √𝑚𝜔ħ 𝜕𝑥

𝑚𝜔
𝐿𝑒𝑡 𝑦 = √ 𝑥 ;
ħ
ℎ𝑒𝑛𝑐𝑒,
 𝑑
(𝑦 +)𝑢 = 0
𝑑𝑦 0
𝑑𝑢0
𝑜𝑟, 𝑦𝑢0 + =0
𝑑𝑦
𝑑𝑢0
= −𝑦𝑑𝑦
𝑢0
Solving,
𝑦2
−
𝑢0 = 𝐴0 𝑒 2
𝑚𝜔 2
= 𝐴0 𝑒 − 2ħ
𝑥

𝐴0 is a constant that can be calculated from normalizing condition.

i.e.
∞
∫ |𝑢0 |2 𝑑𝑥 = 1
−∞
𝑚𝜔
with 𝑦 = 𝛼𝑥 ; where 𝛼 = √ ;
ħ
𝐴0 2 ∞ − 𝑦2
∫ 𝑒 𝑑𝑦 = 1
𝛼 −∞

𝐴0 2 1 1
𝑜𝑟, . 2. . Γ ( ) = 1
𝛼 2 2
𝛼
ℎ𝑒𝑛𝑐𝑒, 𝐴0 2 =
√𝜋
Therefore normalize wave function,
1 1
𝛼 2 𝑦2 𝑚𝜔 4 − 𝑚𝜔𝑥 2
−
𝑢0 = ( ) 𝑒 2 =( ) 𝑒 2ħ
√𝜋 𝜋ℏ

To calculate 1st excited state, we operate 𝑎̂+ on 𝑢0 as;

𝑑
𝑎̂+ 𝑢0 = (𝑦 − ) 𝑢0
𝑑𝑦
1
𝑑 𝛼 2 − 𝑦2 −
𝑦2
= (𝑦 − ) ( ) 𝑒 2 = 𝐴1 𝑦𝑒 2 ;
𝑑𝑦 √𝜋
𝐴1 can be determined from the normalizing condition.

Hence repeated operation by 𝑎̂+ on 𝑢0 from left will produce;

𝑑 𝑛
𝑢𝑛 = (𝑦 − ) 𝑢0
𝑑𝑦
 𝑑 𝑛 − 𝑦2
= 𝐶𝑛 (𝑦 − ) 𝑒 2
𝑑𝑦
Normalizing it we can get the n state for the linear harmonic oscillator.
th

Degeneracy in the 𝟐𝒅 𝑳𝑯𝑶 solution:

1
Given the potential 𝑉(𝑥, 𝑦) = 𝑚𝜔2 [𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 ]
2
The solution
𝑎2 2 2
− (𝑥 +𝑦 )
𝜓(𝑥, 𝑦) = 𝐴𝐻𝑛𝑥 (𝑥)𝐻𝑛𝑦 (𝑦)𝑒 2

Eigen value
𝐸𝑛 = [𝑛𝑥 + 𝑛𝑦 + 1]ℏ𝜔 = [𝑛 + 1]ℏ𝜔
It is degenerate, and few energy levels are given below.

𝑆𝑡𝑎𝑡𝑒 𝑛 𝑛𝑥 𝑛𝑦 𝐸𝑛 = (𝑛 + 1)ℏ𝜔 𝜓𝑛1,𝑛2 (𝑥, 𝑦) Degree of

degeneracy

ground 0 0 0 ℏ𝜔 𝜓0,0 1

1st 1 1 0 2ℏ𝜔 𝜓1,0

Ext. 0 1 𝜓0,1 2

2nd 2 0 𝜓2,0

Ext 2 0 2 3ℏ𝜔 𝜓0,2 3

1 1 𝜓1,0

0 3 𝜓3,0

3rd 3 3 0 4ℏ𝜔 𝜓0,3 4

Ext 1 2 𝜓2,1

2 1 𝜓1,2

NOTE: In general degeneracy for the nth energy level is (𝒏 + 𝟏)

Degeneracy in the 𝟑𝒅𝑳𝑯𝑶 solution:
1
Given the potential 𝑉(𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧) = 𝑚𝜔2 [𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 + 𝑧 2 ]
2
The solution
𝑎2 2 2 2
− (𝑥 +𝑦 +𝑧 )
𝜓(𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧) = 𝐴𝐻𝑛𝑥 (𝑥)𝐻𝑛𝑦 (𝑦)𝐻𝑛𝑧 (𝑧)𝑒 2
3 3
𝐸𝑛 = [𝑛𝑥 + 𝑛𝑦 + 𝑛𝑧 + ] ℏ𝜔 = [𝑛 + ] ℏ𝜔
2 2
It is degenerate, and few energy levels are given below.

𝑆𝑡𝑎𝑡𝑒 𝑛 𝑛𝑥 𝑛𝑦 𝑛𝑧 3 𝜓𝑛1,𝑛2 (𝑥, 𝑦) Degree of

𝐸𝑛 = (𝑛 + ) ℏ𝜔 degeneracy
2

ground 0 0 0 0 3 𝜓0,0,0 1
ℏ𝜔
2
1st 1 1 0 0 𝜓1,0,0

Ext. 0 1 0 5 𝜓0,1,0 2
𝜔
2
0 0 1 𝜓0,0,1

2 0 0 𝜓2,0,0

0 2 0 𝜓0,2,0
2nd 2 0 0 2 7 𝜓0,0,2
ℏ𝜔
2
Ext 1 1 0 𝜓1,1,0 6

1 0 1 𝜓1,0,1

0 1 1 𝜓0,1,1

(𝒏+𝟏)(𝒏+𝟐)
NOTE: In general degeneracy for the nth energy level is 𝟐

Q: The ground state wave function of a one-dimensional harmonic oscillator (of

mass m and classical frequency 𝜔) is
1 2 2
𝑚𝜔
𝜓0 (𝑥⃗) = 𝐴𝑒 −2𝛼 𝑥
(𝛼 = √ )
ℏ
i) Normalize the wave function.
ii) Sketch the wave function and the corresponding probability density function.
iii) Discuss if the state is an eigen function of the momentum operator.
iv) Calculate < 𝑥 >, < 𝑝𝑥 >, < 𝑥 2 >, < 𝑝𝑥2 >
v) Calculate < 𝐾. 𝐸. >; < 𝑃. 𝐸. > and also prove uncertainty principle.
vi) What is the energy corresponding to this state?
vii) Explain parity. CU
(2000,05,12,13,15)

Q: Q: Consider a one-dimensional simple harmonic oscillator moving in a potential

1
V(x)= m𝜔2 𝑥 2 . Given that the ground state wave function is 𝜓(𝑥) =
2
−1 2 2
(𝛼⁄𝜋)1/4 𝑒 2 𝛼 𝑥
;𝛼 = 𝑚𝜔/ℏ , find the ground state energy eigen value. (2010)
4

Q: A pendulum with 1 gm bob has massless string 250mm. long the period of
pendulum is 1 sec. What is its zero-point energy? Would you think that zero-point
oscillations be detectable? What is the separation between the adjacent energy
levels? 2+1+1

Q: An oscillator consisting of a mass 1gm. Exhibits a period of 1 sec. The velocity of

the mass when it crosses the zero-displacement position is 10m/sec.

i) Is the oscillator possibly in an Eigen state of Hamiltonian?

ii) Has the zero-point energy any significance here? (2005)

4
1
Q: If 〈𝑥 2 〉 = (𝑛 + )ℏ/𝑚𝜔 then what is the expectation value of potential energy.
2
(2010) 3

Q: Given 𝑎̂ = 𝑃̂𝑥 − 𝑖𝑥̂ 2

𝑎̂+ =𝑃̂𝑥 + 𝑖𝑥̂ 2 Find [𝑎̂, 𝑎̂+ ].

(2011)
3

Q: Given 𝑎̂ = 𝑃̂𝑥 − 𝑖𝑥̂ 2

𝑎̂+ =𝑃̂𝑥 + 𝑖𝑥̂ 2

 ̂ =ℏ𝜔(𝑎̂+ 𝑎̂+1). Find the ground state energy level.
Show 𝐻 (2014)
2
2+3

Q: What is zero-point energy for a one-dimensional linear harmonic oscillator?

Show that it is consistent with uncertainty principle.
(2013) 2
𝑥2
−
Q: The wave function of the 1st excited state of 1d LHO is 𝜓(𝑥) = 𝐴𝑥𝑒 2

Explain i) parity, < 𝑥 >, < 𝑝𝑥 > for this state. (2016)

Q: For the state 𝜓(𝑥, 0) = 𝜓0 (𝑥) + 2𝜓2 (𝑥), 𝑐𝑎𝑙𝑐𝑢𝑙𝑎𝑡𝑒,

i) 𝜓(𝑥, 𝑡)
ii) <E>
iii) < 𝑃𝑥 >, < 𝑥 > as function of time. (2015)

Q: Calculate [𝑃̂, 𝐻
̂ ] for 1D lho hence comment on the result.

Q: Using uncertainty principle, calculate the ground state energy.

Q: Show that the probability density of 1d LHO at the classical limit of motion to the
1
probability density at the origin is for the ground state.
𝑒

Q:For a 1d LHO in its ground state show that probability of finding it beyond the
classical limit is 0.16
1
Q: i) A 1D harmonic oscillator moves in a potential 𝑉(𝑥) = 𝑘𝑥 2 + 𝐶𝑥. C is a
2
constant. Find the energy eigen value.
1
iii) An electron confined in a potential well 𝑘𝑥 2 is subjected to an electric
2
field 𝜖. Find the shift in the energy level.
1
Q: An electron confined in a potential well 𝑉(𝑥) = 𝑘𝑥 2 , Where K is a constant, is
2
subjected to an electric field e along the x-axis. Find the energy eigen value. CU
(2017,03)

Q: For the potential

 ∞ , 𝑥<0
𝑉(𝑥) = {1
𝑚𝑥 2 𝑥 2 , 𝑥≥0
2
i) Draw the first three wave functions.
ii) Calculate < 𝐸 > 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝜓 → 𝜓0 (𝑥) + 𝜓1 (𝑥)

Q: i)Using creation and annihilation operators prove that ,

𝑎̂|𝑛⟩ = √𝑛|𝑛 − 1⟩𝑎𝑛𝑑,

𝑎̂+ |𝑛⟩ = √𝑛 + 1 |𝑛 + 1⟩

ii)Using the above result obtain uncertainty principle.