Numerical schemes for three-dimensional irregular shape quantum dots over curvilinear coordinate systems

In this article, we present efficient and stable numerical schemes to simulate three-dimensional quantum dot with irregular shape, so that we can compute all the bound state energies and associated wave functions. A curvilinear coordinate system that fits the target quantum dot shape is first determined. Three finite difference discretizations of the Schrodinger equation are then developed on the original and the skewed curvilinear coordinate system. The resulting large-scale generalized eigenvalue systems are solved by a modified Jacobi-Davidson method. Intensive numerical experiments show that the scheme using both grid points on the original and skewed curvilinear coordinate system can converge to the eigenpairs quickly and stably with second-order accuracy. (C) 2007 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.