Generalized Lennard-Jones Potentials, SUSYQM and Differential Galois Theory

Abstract

In this paper we start with proving that the Schrödinger equation (SE) with the classical $12-6$ Lennard-Jones (L-J) potential is nonintegrable in the sense of the differential Galois theory (DGT), for any value of energy; i.e., there are no solutions in closed form for such differential equation. We study the $10-6$ potential through DGT and SUSYQM; being it one of the two partner potentials built with a superpotential of the form $w(r)\propto 1/r^5$. We also find that it is integrable in the sense of DGT for zero energy. A first analysis of the applicability and physical consequences of the model is carried out in terms of the so called De Boer principle of corresponding states. A comparison of the second virial coefficient $B(T)$ for both potentials shows a good agreement for low temperatures. As a consequence of these results we propose the $10-6$ potential as an integrable alternative to be applied in further studies instead of the original $12-6$ L-J potential. Finally we study through DGT and SUSYQM the integrability of the SE with a generalized $(2\nu -2)-\nu$ L-J potential. This analysis do not include the study of square integrable wave functions, excited states and energies different than zero for the generalization of L-J potentials.