Wave Packet Derivation May 2026

[ \Psi(x,t) = e^{i(k_0 x - \omega_0 t)} \cdot e^{-\sigma^2 (x - v_g t)^2} \cdot \text{(constant)} ]

[ \Psi(x,t) = \frac{1}{\sqrt{2\pi}} \int_{-\infty}^{\infty} A(k) , e^{i(kx - \omega(k) t)} , dk ] wave packet derivation

We’ll start with the simplest 1D case. A single plane wave [ \psi_k(x,t) = e^{i(kx - \omega(k) t)} ] has definite momentum ( \hbar k ) but extends infinitely in space. To get a localized wave, we superpose many plane waves with different (k) values. 2. Wave packet definition Consider a continuous superposition: [ \Psi(x,t) = e^{i(k_0 x - \omega_0 t)}

Then (ignoring dispersion):

Define: [ \omega_0 = \omega(k_0), \quad v_g = \omega'(k_0) \quad \text{(group velocity)} ] Let (k = k_0 + \kappa), where (\kappa) is small. [ \Psi(x,t) = \frac{1}{\sqrt{2\pi}} e^{i(k_0 x - \omega_0 t)} \int_{-\infty}^{\infty} A(k_0+\kappa) , e^{i\kappa (x - v_g t)} , e^{-i \frac{1}{2} \omega''(k_0) \kappa^2 t + \dots} , d\kappa ] 5. Neglect dispersion for short times / narrow packet If (\omega''(k_0) \approx 0) or (t) is small enough, we ignore the (\kappa^2) term (dispersion). Then: Neglect dispersion for short times / narrow packet

This is a Gaussian envelope moving at (v_g) — a localized pulse. If (\omega'' \neq 0), the (\kappa^2) term broadens the packet over time: [ \text{Width}(t) = \sqrt{\sigma^2 + \left( \frac{\omega'' t}{2\sigma} \right)^2 } ] so the wave packet spreads.

Here’s a clear, step-by-step derivation of a from the superposition of plane waves, showing how it leads to a localized disturbance.