Solution of the Schrödinger equation by a spectral method II: Vibrational energy levels of triatomic molecules

Abstract

The spectral method utilizes numerical solutions to the time‐dependent Schrödinger equation to generate the energy eigenvalues and eigenfunctions of the time‐independent Schrödinger equation. Accurate time‐dependent wave functions ψ(r, t) are generated by the split operator FFT method, and the correlation function 〈ψ(r, 0) ‖ ψ(r, t)〉 is computed by numerical integration. Fourier analysis of this correlation function reveals a set of resonant peaks that correspond to the stationary states of the system. Analysis of the location of these peaks reveals the eigenvalues with high accuracy. Additional Fourier transforms of ψ(r, t) with respect to time generate the eigenfunctions. Previous applications of the method were to two‐dimensional potentials. In this paper energy eigenvalues and wave functions obtained with the spectral method are presented for vibrational states of three‐dimensional Born–Oppenheimer potentials applicable to SO₂, O₃, and H₂O. The energy eigenvalues are compared with results obtained with the variational method. It is concluded that the spectral method is an accurate tool for treating a variety of practical three‐dimensional potentials.