Finite and infinite elements for a simple problem in quantum mechanics

Abstract

Finite element and infinite element models are used to predict the behaviour of a simple example problem in quantum mechanics, that of a linear harmonic oscillator. It is shown that good agreement with the analytical solution is obtained and that the infinite elements give a significant improvement in accuracy at virtually no cost. It is concluded that finite and infinite elements models are a promising method for quantum mechanics problems. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.