Quantum particle on a surface: Catenary surface and Paraboloid of revolution

Abstract

We revisit the Schr\"{o}dinger equation of a quantum particle that is confined on a curved surface. Inspired by the novel work of R. C. T. da Costa [1] we find the field equation in a more convenient notation. The contribution of the principal curvatures in the effective binding potential on the surface is emphasized. Furthermore, using the so-called Monge-Gauge we construct the approximate Schr\"{o}dinger equation for a flat surface with small fluctuations. Finally, the resulting Schr\"{o}dinger equation is solved for some specific surfaces. In particular, we give exact solutions for a particle confined on a Catenary surface and a paraboloid of revolution.