NON-SPREADING WAVE PACKETS

We show that for a wave Ψ in the form of an Airy function the probability density Ψ 2propagates in free space without distortion and with constant acceleration. This “Airy packet” corresponds classically to a family of orbits represented by a parabola in phase space; under the classical motion this parabola translates rigidly, and the fact that no other curve has this property shows that the Airy packet is unique in propagating without change of form. The acceleration of the packet (which does not violate Ehrenfest’s theorem) is related to the curvature of the caustic (envelope) of the family of world lines in spacetime. When a spatially uniform force F(t) acts the Airy packet continues to preserve its integrity. We exhibit the solution of Schrodinger’s equation for general F(t) and discuss the motion for some special forms of F(t). © 1979, American Association of Physics Teachers. All rights reserved.