Definition of wave function

DataRay Inc. - ISO 11146-Compliant Laser Beam Profilers

Photonics Dictionary

wave function: In quantum mechanics, a wave function (often denoted by the Greek letter Ψ, psi) is a mathematical description that represents the quantum state of a particle or a system of particles. It encapsulates all the information about the particle's position, momentum, energy, and other physical properties that can be known through measurement.

Complex function: The wave function Ψ is a complex-valued function of the spatial coordinates (and sometimes time) of the particle(s) it describes.

Probability interpretation: The square of the absolute value of the wave function (|Ψ|²) gives the probability density of finding the particle(s) at a particular location in space or in a particular state of energy or momentum.

Normalization: The wave function must be normalized, meaning the integral of the probability density over all space (or over all possible states) equals one. This ensures that the total probability of finding the particle(s) somewhere (or in some state) is unity.

Superposition principle: Wave functions can be combined linearly according to the principle of superposition. This allows for the description of quantum phenomena such as interference and the uncertainty principle.

Solutions to Schrödinger equation: In non-relativistic quantum mechanics, the time evolution of a wave function is governed by the Schrödinger equation, which determines how the wave function changes over time in response to the potential energy field in which the particle(s) are situated.

The wave function plays a central role in quantum mechanics as it provides a comprehensive description of the quantum state of a system and allows for the calculation of observable quantities such as energy levels, transition probabilities, and particle distributions.

PI Physik Instrumente - 50 ways hexapod ROS MR 7/24

CASTECH INC - High Precision CNC Polished Aspherical Lenses