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Analytic and approximate solutions for the energy eigenvalues generated by a confined softcore Coulomb potentials of the form a/(r+\beta) in d>1 dimensions are constructed. The confinement is effected by linear and harmonic-oscillator potential terms, and also through `hard confinement' by means of an impenetrable spherical box. A byproduct of this work is the construction of polynomial solutions for a number of linear differential equations with polynomial coefficients, along with the necessary and sufficient conditions for the existence of such solutions. Very accurate approximate solutions for the general problem with arbitrary potential parameters are found by use of the asymptotic iteration method., Comment: 17 pages, 2 figures

We analyze the polynomial solutions of the linear differential equation $p_2(x)y''+p_1(x)y'+p_0(x)y=0$ where $p_j(x)$ is a $j^{\rm th}$-degree polynomial. We discuss all the possible polynomial solutions and their dependence on the parameters of the polynomials $p_j(x)$. Special cases are related to known differential equations of mathematical physics. Classes of new soluble problems are exhibited. General results are obtained for weight functions and orthogonality relations., Comment: 23 pages

A single particle obeys the Dirac equation in $d \ge 1$ spatial dimensions and is bound by an attractive central monotone potential that vanishes at infinity. In one dimension, the potential is even, and monotone for $x\ge 0.$ The asymptotic behavior of the wave functions near the origin and at infinity are discussed. Nodal theorems are proven for the cases $d=1$ and $d > 1$, which specify the relationship between the numbers of nodes $n_1$ and $n_2$ in the upper and lower components of the Dirac spinor. For $d=1$, $n_2 = n_1 + 1,$ whereas for $d >1,$ $n_2 = n_1 +1$ if $k_d > 0,$ and $n_2 = n_1$ if $k_d < 0,$ where $k_d = \tau(j + \frac{d-2}{2}),$ and $\tau = \pm 1.$ This work generalizes the classic results of Rose and Newton in 1951 for the case $d=3.$ Specific examples are presented with graphs, including Dirac spinor orbits $(\psi_1(r), \psi_2(r)), r \ge 0.$, Comment: 10 pages, 10 figures

It is shown that the spanning set for L^2([0, 1]) provided by the eigenfunctions {sqrt{2} sin(n\pi x)}_{n=1}^{\infty} of the particle-in-a-box in quantum mechanics provide a very effective variational basis for more general problems. The basis is scaled to [a,b], where a and b are then used as variational parameters. What is perhaps a natural basis for quantum systems confined to a spherical box in R^d, turns out to be appropriate also for problems that are softly confined by U-shaped potentials, including those with strong singularities at r=0. Specific examples are discussed in detail, along with some bound N-boson systems, Comment: 12 pages, 3 figures

The asymptotic iteration method is used to find exact and approximate solutions of Schroedinger's equation for a number of one-dimensional trigonometric potentials (sine-squared, double-cosine, tangent-squared, and complex cotangent). Analytic and approximate solutions are obtained by first using a coordinate transformation to reduce the Schroedinger equation to a second-order differential equation with an appropriate form. The asymptotic iteration method is also employed indirectly to obtain the terms in perturbation expansions, both for the energies and for the corresponding eigenfunctions., Comment: 13 pages

A discrete eigenvalue E_n of a Schroedinger operator H = -\Delta + vf(r) is given, as a function F_n(v) of the coupling parameter v\ge v_c. It is shown how the potential shape f(x) can be reconstructed from F_n(v). A constructive inversion algorithm and a functional inversion sequence are both discussed., Comment: 20 pages, 7 figures; 13th Regional Conference on Mathematical Physics, October 27 - 31, 2010, Antalya, Turkey

By application of the 'geometric spectral inversion' technique, which we have recently generalized to accommodate also singular interaction potentials, we construct from spectral data emerging from the solution of the Minkowski-space formulation of the homogeneous Bethe-Salpeter equation describing bound states of two spinless particles a Schroedinger approach to such states in terms of nonrelativistic potential models. This spectrally equivalent modeling of bound states yields their qualitative features (masses, form factors, etc.) without having to deal with the more involved Bethe-Salpeter formalism., Comment: 16 pages, 11 figures

A single fermion is bound by a softcore central Coulomb potential V(r) = -v/(r^q + b^q)^(1/q), v>0, b>0, q \ge 1, in d>1 spatial dimensions. Envelope theory is used to construct analytic lower bounds for the discrete Dirac energy spectrum. The results are compared to accurate eigenvalues obtained numerically., Comment: 8 pages 1 figure

The function E = F(v) expresses the dependence of a discrete eigenvalue E of the Schroedinger Hamiltonian H = -\Delta + vf(r) on the coupling parameter v. We use envelope theory to generate a functional sequence \{f^{[k]}(r)\} to reconstruct f(r) from F(v) starting from a seed potential f^{[0]}(r). In the power-law or log cases the inversion can be effected analytically and is complete in just two steps. In other cases convergence is observed numerically. To provide concrete illustrations of the inversion method it is first applied to the Hulth\'en potential, and it is then used to invert spectral data generated by singular potentials with shapes of the form f(r) = -a/r + b\sgn(q)r^q and f(r) = -a/r + b\ln(r), a, b > 0. For the class of attractive central potentials with shapes f(r) = g(r)/r, with g(0)< 0 and g'(r)\ge 0, we prove that the ground-state energy curve F(v) determines f(r) uniquely., Comment: 13 pages, 5 figures

Exact solutions to the d-dimensional Schroedinger equation, d\geq 2, for Coulomb plus harmonic oscillator potentials V(r)=-a/r+br^2, b>0 and a\ne 0 are obtained. The potential V(r) is considered both in all space, and under the condition of spherical confinement inside an impenetrable spherical box of radius R. With the aid of the asymptotic iteration method, the exact analytic solutions under certain constraints, and general approximate solutions, are obtained. These exhibit the parametric dependence of the eigenenergies on a, b, and R. The wave functions have the simple form of a product of a power function, an exponential function, and a polynomial. In order to achieve our results the question of determining the polynomial solutions of the second-order differential equation (\sum_{i=0}^{k+2}a_{k+2,i}r^{k+2-i})y"+(\sum_{i=0}^{k+1}a_{k+1,i}r^{k+1-i})y'-(\sum_{i=0}^{k}\tau_{k,i}r^{k-i})y=0 for k=0,1,2 is solved., Comment: 16 pages, 1 figure

We study the generalized quantum isotonic oscillator Hamiltonian given by H=-d^2/dr^2+l(l+1)/r^2+w^2r^2+2g(r^2-a^2)/(r^2+a^2)^2, g>0. Two approaches are explored. A method for finding the quasi-polynomial solutions is presented, and explicit expressions for these polynomials are given, along with the conditions on the potential parameters. By using the asymptotic iteration method we show how the eigenvalues of this Hamiltonian for arbitrary values of the parameters g, w and a may be found to high accuracy., Comment: 13 pages, 1 figure

We consider the analytical properties of the eigenspectrum generated by a class of central potentials given by V(r) = -a/r + br^2, b>0. In particular, scaling, monotonicity, and energy bounds are discussed. The potential $V(r)$ is considered both in all space, and under the condition of spherical confinement inside an impenetrable spherical boundary of radius R. With the aid of the asymptotic iteration method, several exact analytic results are obtained which exhibit the parametric dependence of energy on a, b, and R, under certain constraints. More general spectral characteristics are identified by use of a combination of analytical properties and accurate numerical calculations of the energies, obtained by both the generalized pseudo-spectral method, and the asymptotic iteration method. The experimental significance of the results for both the free and confined potential V(r) cases are discussed., Comment: 16 pages, 4 figures

This report explores access to vocational education and training (and university) currently and historically over the past 20 years. It reports that those young people most likely to miss out on vocational education and training include those with disabilities, young people still living at home, children from single-parent families and those families with a history of parental unemployment. Those individuals face patterns of "cumulative disadvantage." In addition, the report argues strongly for striking a balance between the pursuit of social and economic outcomes as being essential for community-based initiatives aimed at addressing access and equity in vocational education and training. (Contains 4 tables.) [This report was produced with funding provided through the Australian Department of Education, Science and Training. The author/project team was funded to undertake this research via a grant under the National Vocational Education and Training Research and Evaluation (NVETRE) program. For related support document, see ED495267.]

This document was produced by the authors based on their research for the report "Who's Missing Out?: Access and Equity in Vocational Education and Training" [ED495192] and is an added resource for further information. The original report explores access to vocational education and training (and university) currently and historically over the past 20 years. It reports that those young people most likely to miss out on vocational education and training include those with disabilities, young people still living at home, children from single-parent families and those families with a history of parental unemployment. This support document contains the following appendices: (1) Behind the Label; (2) FLOW; (3) Animation Program; and (4) Statistical Details.

We present a supersymmetric analysis for the d-dimensional Schroedinger equation with the generalized isotonic nonlinear-oscillator potential V(r)={B^2}/{r^{2}}+\omega^{2} r^{2}+2g{(r^{2}-a^{2})}/{(r^{2}+a^{2})^{2}}, B\geq 0. We show that the eigenequation for this potential is exactly solvable provided g=2 and (\omega a^2)^2 = B^2 +(\ell +(d-2)/2)^2. Under these conditions, we obtain explicit formulae for all the energies and normalized bound-state wavefunctions., Comment: 8 pages, no figures

Conditions are given for the second-order linear differential equation P3 y" + P2 y'- P1 y = 0 to have polynomial solutions, where Pn is a polynomial of degree n. Several application of these results to Schroedinger's equation are discussed. Conditions under which the confluent, biconfluent, and the general Heun equation yield polynomial solutions are explicitly given. Some new classes of exactly solvable differential equation are also discussed. The results of this work are expressed in such way as to allow direct use, without preliminary analysis., Comment: 13 pages, no figures

This volume is a companion to "Innovation Agents: VET Skills and Innovation in Australian Industries and Firms. Volume 1". The detailed report of the project is contained in Volume 1 while Volume 2 contains the appendices: (1) Data tables for construction of the composite index of innovation; (2) Case study interview schedule; and (3) Case study results. [For "Innovation Agents: Vocational Education and Training Skills and Innovation in Australian Industries and Firms. Volume 1," see ED493916.]

Australia's competitive success with innovation-based products and services is an influential factor to its long-term prosperity. This study examines the role of vocational education and training (VET) and occupations in innovative industries and firms. The authors find VET is vital to developing knowledge and practical skills across a broad range of occupations, and people in vocational occupations are among principal sources of ideas for technological innovation. Further, innovative firms reported a high level of satisfaction with public and private training, which the authors conclude is due to the high level of consultation between firms and TAFE. However, firms identified the need for employees to develop generic skills, such as working in teams and developing problem-solving and communication skills, as an opportunity for the VET sector to meet unmet demand. (Contains 29 tables and 2 figures.)

A supersymmetric analysis is presented for the d-dimensional Dirac equation with central potentials under spin-symmetric (S(r) = V(r)) and pseudo-spin-symmetric (S(r) = - V(r)) regimes. We construct the explicit shift operators that are required to factorize the Dirac Hamiltonian with the Kratzer potential. Exact solutions are provided for both the Coulomb and Kratzer potentials., Comment: 12 pages

Comparison theorems are established for the Dirac and Klein--Gordon equations. We suppose that V^{(1)}(r) and V^{(2)}(r) are two real attractive central potentials in d dimensions that support discrete Dirac eigenvalues E^{(1)}_{k_d\nu} and E^{(2)}_{k_d\nu}. We prove that if V^{(1)}(r) \leq V^{(2)}(r), then each of the corresponding discrete eigenvalue pairs is ordered E^{(1)}_{k_d\nu} \leq E^{(2)}_{k_d\nu}. This result generalizes an earlier more restrictive theorem that required the wave functions to be node free. For the the Klein--Gordon equation, similar reasoning also leads to a comparison theorem provided in this case that the potentials are negative and the eigenvalues are positive., Comment: 6 pages

A single Dirac particle is bound in d dimensions by vector V(r) and scalar S(r) central potentials. The spin-symmetric S=V and pseudo-spin-symmetric S = - V cases are studied and it is shown that if two such potentials are ordered V^{(1)} \le V^{(2)}, then corresponding discrete eigenvalues are all similarly ordered E_{\kappa \nu}^{(1)} \le E_{\kappa \nu}^{(2)}. This comparison theorem allows us to use envelope theory to generate spectral approximations with the aid of known exact solutions, such as those for Coulombic, harmonic-oscillator, and Kratzer potentials. The example of the log potential V(r) = v\ln(r) is presented. Since $V(r)$ is a convex transformation of the soluble Coulomb potential, this leads to a compact analytical formula for lower-bounds to the discrete spectrum. The resulting ground-state lower-bound curve E_{L}(v) is compared with an accurate graph found by direct numerical integration., Comment: 12 pages, 1 figure.

Schroedinger's equation with the attractive potential V(r) = -Z/(r^q+ b^q)^(1/q), Z > 0, b > 0, q >= 1, is shown, for general values of the parameters Z and b, to be reducible to the confluent Heun equation in the case q=1, and to the generalized Heun equation in case q=2. In a formulation with correct asymptotics, the eigenstates are specified a priori up to an unknown factor. In certain special cases this factor becomes a polynomial. The Asymptotic Iteration Method is used either to find the polynomial factor and the associated eigenvalue explicitly, or to construct accurate approximations for them. Detail solutions for both cases are provided., Comment: 16 pages, no figures