On the asymptotic analysis of the JWKB method via change of dependent variable in the first-order Bessel’s equation

Abstract

The first-order Jeffreys–Wentzel–Kramers–Brillouin method (called (JWKB)1) is a conventional semi-classical approximation method used in quantum mechanical systems for accurate solutions. It is known to give accurate energy and wave-function in the classically accessible region of the related quantum mechanical system defined by Schroedinger’s equation whereas the solutions in the classically inaccessible region require special treatment, conventionally known as the asymptotic matching rules. In this work, (JWKB)1 solution of the Bessel differential equation of the first order (called (BDE)1), chosen as a mathematical model, is studied by being transformed into the normal form via the change of dependent variable. General JWKB solution of the initial value problem where appropriately chosen initial values are applied is studied in both normal and standard form representations to be analyzed by the generalized JWKB asymptotic matching rules regarding the Sij matrix elements defined in the literature. Consequently, regions requiring first-order and zeroth-order JWKB approximations are determined successfully.