eigenfunction

Definitions

A function ϕ such that, for a given linear operator D, Dϕ=λϕ for some scalar λ (called an eigenvalue).

Equivalents

Examples

“For many quantum-mechanical problems it is important to investigate⟳ the change⟳ of eigenvalues and eigenfunctions with the continuous change⟳ of one or more parameters. The case in which one knows the eigenvalues and eigenfunctions for two special values of the parameters, and is interested in the region in between is particularly interesting.”

“Problems that require⟳ an investigation of eigenvalues and eigenfunctions arise⟳ in connection with numerous topics in mechanics, the theory of vibrations and stability, hydrodynamics, elasticity, acoustics, electrodynamics, quantum mechanics, etc.”

CEFR level