Algebraic DVR Approaches Applied to Piecewise Potentials: Symmetry and Degeneracy

Abstract

Algebraic discrete variable representation (DVR) methods that have been recently proposed are applied to describe 1D and 2D piecewise potentials. First, it is shown that it is possible to use a DVR approach to describe 1D square well potentials testing the wave functions with exact results. Thereafter, Morse and Pöschl-Teller (PT) potentials are described with multistep piecewise potentials in order to explore the sensibility of the potential to reproduce the transition from a pure square well energy pattern to an anharmonic energy spectrum. Once the properties of the different algebraic DVR approaches are identified, the 2D square potential as a function of the potential depth is studied. We show that this system displays natural degeneracy, accidental degeneracy and systematic accidental degeneracy. The latter appears only for a confined potential, where the symmetry group is identified and irreducible representations are constructed. One particle confined in a rectangular well potential with commensurate sides is also analyzed. It is proved that the systematic accidental degeneracy appearing in this system is removed for finite potential depth.