Calculation of energy eigenvalues for the quantum anharmonic oscillator with a polynomial potential

We choose the squeezed vacuum state as a one-parameter trial wavefunction, to minimize the energy of an anharmonic oscillator, with a polynomial perturbation potential. Using the optimal vacuum state obtained, we generate the optimal generalized number state basis, and set up the Hamiltonian in the normal-ordered form. Then, truncating the basis, we produce finite-dimensional matrices in a simple manner, and find their eigenvalues by standard methods. We will apply our method to the Morse potential, whose exact eigenvalues are known, as a check on the accuracy of the results that we have derived. Two models of the double well and the quartic potential are considered as examples. (author)