The asymptotic iteration method revisited

Abstract

The asymptotic iteration method is a technique for solving analytically and approximately the linear second-order differential equation, especially the eigenvalue problems that frequently appear in theoretical and mathematical physics. The analysis and mathematical justifications of the success and failure of the asymptotic iteration method are detailed in this work. A theorem explaining why the asymptotic iteration method works for the eigenvalue problem is presented. As a byproduct, a new procedure to generate unlimited classes of exactly solvable differential equations is also introduced.