Question

Solve the energy eigenvalue problem for the two-dimensional isotropic harmonic oscillator. Assume that the eigenfunctions are of the form $$ \psi=\rho^{\ell} \exp \left(-\frac{m \omega}{2 \hbar} \rho^2\right) f(\rho) \exp ( \pm i \ell \varphi) $$ where $\rho$ and $\varphi$ are plane polar coordinates and $\ell$ is a nonnegative integer. Show that $f(\rho)$ can be expressed as an associated Laguerre polynomial of the variable $m \omega \rho^2 / \hbar$ and determine the eigenvalues. Solve the same problem in Cartesian coordinates, and establish the correspondence between the two methods. Discuss a few simple eigenfunctions.

   Solve the energy eigenvalue problem for the two-dimensional isotropic harmonic oscillator. Assume that the eigenfunctions are of the form
$$
\psi=\rho^{\ell} \exp \left(-\frac{m \omega}{2 \hbar} \rho^2\right) f(\rho) \exp ( \pm i \ell \varphi)
$$
where $\rho$ and $\varphi$ are plane polar coordinates and $\ell$ is a nonnegative integer. Show that $f(\rho)$ can be expressed as an associated Laguerre polynomial of the variable $m \omega \rho^2 / \hbar$ and determine the eigenvalues. Solve the same problem in Cartesian coordinates, and establish the correspondence between the two methods. Discuss a few simple eigenfunctions.
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Quantum mechanics
Quantum mechanics
Eugen Merzbacher 3rd Edition
Chapter 12, Problem 13 ↓

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Step 1: Start with the time-independent Schrödinger equation for the isotropic harmonic oscillator in two dimensions: $$\left(-\frac{\hbar^2}{2m} \nabla^2 + \frac{1}{2} m \omega^2 r^2\right) \psi = E \psi$$  Show more…

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Solve the energy eigenvalue problem for the two-dimensional isotropic harmonic oscillator. Assume that the eigenfunctions are of the form $$ \psi=\rho^{\ell} \exp \left(-\frac{m \omega}{2 \hbar} \rho^2\right) f(\rho) \exp ( \pm i \ell \varphi) $$ where $\rho$ and $\varphi$ are plane polar coordinates and $\ell$ is a nonnegative integer. Show that $f(\rho)$ can be expressed as an associated Laguerre polynomial of the variable $m \omega \rho^2 / \hbar$ and determine the eigenvalues. Solve the same problem in Cartesian coordinates, and establish the correspondence between the two methods. Discuss a few simple eigenfunctions.
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