Published September 1, 2021 | Version v1
Journal article Metadata-only

Analogies between optical physics and quantum mechanics

Creators

  • 1. Physics Departament, State University of Feira de Santana, Feira de Santana, Bahia (Brazil)
  • 2. Independent Researcher, 41Bis rue Crozatier, 75012, Paris (France)

Description

In this paper we explore the analogies between optical physics and quantum mechanics. The formal similarity between the Helmholtz wave equation and the time-independent Schrödinger equation is presented. Details of the analogy between plane interface and potential step and between thin film and potential barrier are developed and a detailed discussion is provided to reinforce the analogy. We hope that the present work can be useful for undergraduate students. (paper)

Availability note (English)

Available from http://dx.doi.org/10.1088/1361-6404/ac0878

Additional details

Identifiers

DOI
10.1088/1361-6404/ac0878;

Publishing Information

Journal Title
European Journal of Physics
Journal Volume
42
Journal Issue
5
Journal Page Range
[23 p.]
ISSN
0143-0807
CODEN
EJPHD4

INIS

Country of Publication
United Kingdom
Country of Input or Organization
International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)
INIS RN
53093648
Subject category
S71: CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSICS;
Descriptors DEI
INTERFACES; POTENTIALS; QUANTUM MECHANICS; THIN FILMS; WAVE EQUATIONS
Descriptors DEC
DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS; EQUATIONS; FILMS; MECHANICS; PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS