Techniques to find

approximate solutions
to the Schrodinger equation

1. The perturbation theory
2. The variational principle
3. The WKB approximation
The WKB approximation
Wentzel- Kramers - Brillouin

Hendrik Kramers
Dutch
1894- 1952
Leon Brillouin
French
1889- 1969
Gregor
Wentzel
German
1898- 1978
The WKB approximation

The WKB approximation is based on the idea that
for any given potential, the particle can be locally
seen as a free particle with a sinusoidal wave function,
but whose wavelength varies very slowly in space.
( )
ikx
x Ae

=
The free particle

( )
ikx
x Ae

=
Infinite space
( ) ( )
sin x A kx =
2mE
k =
2 p mE =
Finite box
Flat potential

( )
ikx
x Ae

=
( )
2m E V
k

=
( )
x
x Ae
k

=
Scattering state
E V >
Bound state
E V <
( )
2m V E
k

=
E
V
Varying potential
The WKB approximation

V(x)
E
Classical region (E>V)
Turning points
The WKB approximation

V(x)
E
Classical region (E>V)
Locally constant
or varying very slowly
In respect to wavelength

The WKB approximation

Classical region

( )
2 2
2
2
d
V x E
m dx

+ =
2 2
2 2
d p
dx

=
( ) ( )
( )
2 p x m E V x =
with
The WKB approximation
Classical region

solution ( ) ( )
( )
i x
x A x e
|
=
( ) ( ) ( )
2
2
2
" '
p
A x A x |
(
=
(

( ) ( )
2
' A x x cste | =
real part
imaginary part
The WKB approximation
Classical region

solution ( ) ( )
( )
i x
x A x e
|
=
( )
( )
C
A x
p x
=
( )
p x
d
dx
|
=
( )
( )
( )
2
"
'
A x
A x
| assumption
2
2
p
| |

|
\ .
and
The WKB approximation
Classical region

solution ( ) ( )
( )
i x
x A x e
|
=
( )
( )
( )
i
p x dx
C
x e
p x

}
~
where
( ) ( ) ( )
2 p x m E V x =
( )
2
2
( )
C
x
p x
~
Incidentally
Quiz 17a
In the WKB approximation,
what can we say about the solution
for the wave function ?
A. The amplitude and the wavelength are fixed
B. The amplitude is fixed but the wavelength varies
C. The wavelength varies but the amplitude is fixed
D. Both the wavelength and the amplitude vary
E. There are multiple wavelengths for a given position
The WKB approximation
Classical region

solution ( ) ( )
( )
i x
x A x e
|
=
( )
0
( ') '
( )
x
i
p x dx
C
x e
p x

}
=
Phase is a function of x
The WKB approximation
Classical region

( )
( )
/ if x
x e =
Another way to write the solution:
where f(x) is a complex function
Develop the function as power of ( )
f x
The WKB approximation
Classical region

( )
1
( ') ' x p x dx | =
}
( ) ( )
1
( ') '
b
a
b a p x dx | | =
}
When the phase is known at specific points:
Gives information
on the allowed
energies
( ) ( )
( )
i x
x A x e
|
=
Quiz 17b
A. For any type of potential and any energy value
B. Only when
C. Only when
D. Only when the potential exhibits 1 turning point
E. Only when the potential exhibits 2 turning points
In which situation can we apply the formula

?
( ) ( )
1
( ') '
b
a
b a p x dx | | =
}
( )
E V x >
( )
E V x <
Example
Infinite
Square well
( ) ( ) ( )
( )
sin x A x x | =
2 p mE =
The WKB approximation
Classical region

( )
0 0 | =
( )
a n | t =
( ) ( )
0
1
' '
a
a p x dx n | t = =
}
( )
( )
2 p m E V x =
The WKB approximation
Classical region

( )
0 0 | =
( )
a n | t =
( ) ( )
0
1
' '
a
a p x dx n | t = =
}
0
V
The WKB approximation
at turning points

V(x)
E
Classical region (E>V)
Turning points
( )
E V x =
( )
0 p x
The WKB approximation
at turning points

V(x)
E
Classical region (E>V)
1
x
2
x
2
1
1
( )
2
x
x
p x dx n t
| |
=
|
\ .
}
Connection
formula (eq 8.51)
The WKB approximation
at turning points

2
1
1
( )
2
x
x
p x dx n t
| |
=
|
\ .
}
Pb 8.7
Harmonic
Oscillator
Pb 8.14
Hydrogen
atom
( )
2 2
1
2
V x m x e =
( )
2 2
2
0
1 ( 1)
4 2
eff
e l l
V r
r m r tc
+
= +