The time-dependent quantum harmonic oscillator: a pedagogical approach via the Lewis-Riesenfeld dynamical invariant method

In quantum mechanics courses, students often solve the Schr\"odinger equation for the harmonic oscillator with time-independent parameters. However, time-dependent quantum harmonic oscillators (TDHOs) are relevant in modeling several problems as, for instance, the description of quantum motion of particles in traps, in shortcuts to adiabaticity, as well as in quantum scalar fields evolving in expanding universes. In the present paper, we discuss, with a pedagogical approach, the TDHO with time-dependent frequency via the Lewis-Riesenfeld dynamical invariant method, revisiting the main steps to obtain the wave function associated with this model, and briefly discussing the relationship between this oscillator and the generation of squeezed states. As examples of pedagogical applications of TDHOs and the Lewis-Riesenfeld method in quantum mechanics courses, we solve the following problems: the calculation of the transition probability associated with a TDHO which undergoes jumps in its frequency, and the analysis of the dynamics of a quantum particle in a Paul trap.
Comment: 19 pages, 4 figures