The periodically driven electron in a quantum well with two characteristic curvatures -- redux

Abstract

I develop the solution to the problem of an electron confined in a composite quadratic well subject to a simple, external periodic force. The method of solution illustrates several of the basic techniques useful in formally solving the one-dimensional, time-dependent Schrodinger equation. One of the aims of this exercise is to see how far is it possible to push analytics, before plowing into numerical methods. I hope this presentation of the problem may result useful to others seeking to gain additional experience in the details of solving the time-dependent Schrodinger equation in one space dimension.