Quantum harmonic oscillator: an elementary derivation of the energy spectrum

An elementary treatment of the quantum harmonic oscillator is proposed. No previous knowledge of linear differential equation theory or Fourier analysis are required, but rather only a few basics of elementary calculus. The pivotal role in our analysis is played by the sole particle localization constraint, which implies square integrability of stationary-state wavefunctions. The oscillator ground-state characterization is then achieved in a way that could be grasped, in principle, even by first-year undergraduates. A very elementary approach to build up and to characterize all higher-level energy eigenstates completes our analysis. (paper)