Bethe ansatz

In physics, the Bethe ansatz is an ansatz for finding the exact wavefunctions of certain quantum many-body models, most commonly for one-dimensional lattice models. It was first used by Hans Bethe in 1931 to find the exact eigenvalues and eigenvectors of the one-dimensional antiferromagnetic isotropic (XXX) Heisenberg model.[1]

Since then the method has been extended to other spin chains and statistical lattice models.

"Bethe ansatz problems" were one of the topics featuring in the "To learn" section of Richard Feynman's blackboard at the time of his death.[2]

  1. ^ Bethe, H. (March 1931). "Zur Theorie der Metalle. I. Eigenwerte und Eigenfunktionen der linearen Atomkette". Zeitschrift für Physik. 71 (3–4): 205–226. doi:10.1007/BF01341708. S2CID 124225487.
  2. ^ "Richard Feynman's blackboard at time of his death | Caltech Archives". digital.archives.caltech.edu. Retrieved 29 July 2023.