New basis functions for wave equation

Abstract

The Differential Transfer Matrix Method is extended to the complex plane, which allows dealing with singularities at turning points. The result for real-valued systems are simplified and a pair of basis functions is found. These bases are a bit less accurate than WKB solutions but much easier to work with because of their algebraic form. Furthermore, these bases exactly satisfy the initial conditions and may go over the turning points without the divergent behavior of WKB solutions. The findings of this paper allow explicit evaluation of eigenvalues of confined modes with high precision, as demonstrated by few examples.