This applet illustrates the simple harmonic oscillator in nonrelativistic quantum mechanics.
The seven (four in the demo) lowest-energy normalized eigenfunctions are available. They are chosen to be real, with sign conventions as shown in the following diagram:
The user chooses the phase and relative amplitude of the coefficients at t=0. The applet plots the initial normalized probability distribution and animates its time development.
The user can also choose to build and animate a coherent state. (In fact, this state will be only approximately coherent because of the finite number of available basis states.)
Instructions for use
 | Set the phase and relative amplitude of a coefficient by clicking and/or dragging in its circular control area (phase plane). |
| A coefficient may be set to zero by clicking the button at the center of its circle. |
| To build a coherent state, set its amplitude of oscillation with the scrollbar. |