Quantum Mechanics of a Linear Harmonic Oscillator

Step 1: Understanding the Interface

When you open the simulation, you will see three main panels:

Panel Location Contents
Control PanelLeftQuantum parameters, preset states, quick actions, state amplitude sliders
VisualizationCenterMain canvas showing wavefunction, phasor clocks at bottom
Data & InfoRightLive quantum data table, instructions, key concepts

Step 2: Explore Preset Quantum States

Click on the preset buttons to observe different quantum behaviors:

Preset Description What to Observe
Ground State (n=0)Lowest energy stateNo nodes, Gaussian-shaped probability
First Excited (n=1)First excited stateOne node at center
SuperpositionEqual mix of n=0 and n=1Oscillating probability density
Coherent StateClassical-like oscillationWave packet moves back and forth
Equal MixAll states equally weightedComplex interference pattern
High EnergyMaximum quantum numberMany nodes visible

Step 3: Control Animation Speed

  1. Locate the Speed slider in the Quantum Parameters section
  2. Move the slider to adjust the time evolution rate
  3. Set to 0 to freeze the animation
  4. Observe how different energy states rotate at different frequencies

Step 4: Adjust Coherent State Parameter (α)

  1. Use the Coherent State (α) slider to change the α value
  2. Click the Coherent State preset button to apply
  3. Larger α values create more classical-like behavior
  4. Observe:
    • α = 0: Ground state only
    • α = 1-2: Small oscillation
    • α = 3-4: Large classical-like oscillation

Step 5: Interact with Phasor Clocks

The phasor clocks at the bottom of the canvas represent each eigenstate:

  1. Click and drag inside any clock circle
  2. Distance from center sets the amplitude |cn|
  3. Angle sets the initial phase of that state
  4. Release to see the wavefunction update immediately

Note: As you drag, real-time feedback shows:

  • Current state number (n)
  • Magnitude value
  • Phase in degrees

Step 6: Use Individual Amplitude Sliders

  1. Scroll down in the left panel to find State Amplitudes
  2. Each slider controls one eigenstate's amplitude (n=0 to n=7)
  3. Adjust multiple sliders to create custom superpositions
  4. Click Normalize to ensure total probability equals 1

Step 7: Switch Visualization Modes

Toggle between two visualization modes:

Mode Button What It Shows
Real/Imaginary📈 Real/ImaginaryOrange line: Real part of ψ; Cyan line: Imaginary part
Density/Phase🌈 Density/PhaseHeight shows probability density |ψ|²; Color shows local phase

Step 8: Analyze Live Data

Observe the Live Quantum Data panel on the right:

  1. Table shows:

    • State number (n)
    • Amplitude value
    • Probability |cn
  2. Total Probability: Should equal 1.000 when normalized

  3. Expected Energy ⟨E⟩: Shows average energy in units of ℏω


Step 9: Perform Experiments

Experiment A: Verify Energy Quantization

  1. Set Ground State preset
  2. Note the Expected Energy (should be 0.500 ℏω)
  3. Set First Excited preset
  4. Note the Expected Energy (should be 1.500 ℏω)
  5. Verify the difference is exactly 1.000 ℏω

Experiment B: Count Nodes

  1. Set each preset state from n=0 to n=7
  2. In Real/Imaginary mode, count the nodes (zero crossings)
  3. Verify: State n has exactly n nodes

Experiment C: Observe Coherent State Oscillation

  1. Set α = 3 or 4 using the slider
  2. Click Coherent State preset
  3. Switch to Density/Phase mode
  4. Observe the probability oscillating like a classical particle

Step 10: Record Your Observations

Fill in the observation table below:

S.No State (n) Amplitude Probability |cn Energy En/ℏω
1n = 0110.500
2n = 1111.500
3n = 2112.500
4n = 3113.500
5n = 4114.500
6n = 5115.500
7n = 6116.500
8n = 7117.500

Quick Actions Reference

Button Function
🗑️ Zero AllSets all amplitudes to zero
📐 NormalizeNormalizes wavefunction so Σ|cn|² = 1
🎲 RandomCreates a random superposition
🔄 ResetResets simulation to default state
⏸️ Pause/ResumeStops or continues time evolution

Tips for Effective Learning

  1. Start simple: Begin with single eigenstates before exploring superpositions
  2. Compare modes: Switch between Real/Imaginary and Density/Phase to understand both representations
  3. Use pause: Freeze the animation to study specific configurations
  4. Normalize often: Keep the wavefunction normalized for meaningful probabilities
  5. Try extremes: See what happens with very high α values or all states equal