A New Constructive Method for Solving the Schrödinger Equation

Abstract

In this paper, a new method for the exact solution of the stationary, one-dimensional Schrödinger equation is proposed. Application of the method leads to a three-parametric family of exact solutions, previously known only in the limiting cases. The method is based on solutions of the Ricatti equation in the form of a quadratic function with three parameters. The logarithmic derivative of the wave function transforms the Schrödinger equation to the Ricatti equation with arbitrary potential. The Ricatti equation is solved by exploiting the particular symmetry, where a family of discrete transformations preserves the original form of the equation. The method is applied to a one-dimensional Schrödinger equation with a bound states spectrum. By extending the results of the Ricatti equation to the Schrödinger equation the three-parametric solutions for wave functions and energy spectrum are obtained. This three-parametric family of exact solutions is defined on compact support, as well as on the whole real axis in the limiting case, and corresponds to a uniquely defined form of potential. Celebrated exactly solvable cases of special potentials like harmonic oscillator potential, Coulomb potential, infinite square well potential with corresponding energy spectrum and wave functions follow from the general form by appropriate selection of parameters values. The first two of these potentials with corresponding solutions, which are defined on the whole axis and half axis respectively, are achieved by taking the limit of general three-parametric solutions, where one of the parameters approaches a certain, well-defined value.