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Point transfer matrices for the Schrödinger equation: The algebraic theory

Gordon, N. A.; Pearson, D. B.

Authors

D. B. Pearson



Abstract

This paper deals with the theory of point interactions for the one-dimensional Schrödinger equation. The familiar example of the δ5-potential V(x) = gδ(x - x 0 ), for which the transfer matrix across the singularity (point transfer matrix) is given by M = ( g 1 1 0 ) , is extended to cover cases in which the transfer matrix M(z) is dependent on the (complex) spectral parameter z, and which can be obtained as limits of transfer matrices across finite intervals for sequences of approximating potentials V n . The case of point transfer matrices polynomially dependent on z is treated in detail, with a complete characterization of such matrices and a proof of their factorization as products of point transfer matrices linearly dependent on z. The theory presented here has applications to the study of point interactions in quantum mechanics, and provides new classes of point interactions which can be obtained as limiting cases of regular potentials.

Citation

Gordon, N. A., & Pearson, D. B. (1999). Point transfer matrices for the Schrödinger equation: The algebraic theory. Proceedings of the Royal Society of Edinburgh: Section A Mathematics, 129(4), 717-732. https://doi.org/10.1017/S030821050001310X

Journal Article Type Article
Online Publication Date Nov 14, 2011
Publication Date Jan 1, 1999
Journal PROCEEDINGS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY OF EDINBURGH SECTION A-MATHEMATICS
Print ISSN 0308-2105
Electronic ISSN 1473-7124
Publisher Cambridge University Press
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 129
Issue 4
Pages 717-732
DOI https://doi.org/10.1017/S030821050001310X
Keywords Quantum Mechanics
Public URL https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/423861