The QMTools software package provides a collection of tools that facilitate the creation of multimedia-enhanced, computer-based classroom materials for use in teaching introductory quantum physics. Each tool in the collection encapsulates a single pedagogical element that can be inserted [as a Java applet] into a web document to provide an interactive, computer- based experience at any point in the presentation. Document insertions also can combine two or more tools in a seamlessly integrated fashion.

We should emphasize that the 'tools' of the QMTools collection are not distinct code units, but refer instead to abstract categories that group together related functionality. The tools included in the QMTools package (with links to the summary descriptions that follow) are:

The QMTools package also includes an application for manipulating the toolset. The QMTools Editor is a Java-based graphical user interface for designing, cloning, editing, and saving document insertions [applets].

Function Explorer

The Explorer tool is a sophisticated, mathematics interface enabling the user to define, evaluate, and save complex-valued functions of a single variable, along with any number of user-defined parameters. Explorer also implements a powerful graphics interface for displaying and analyzing those functions, and manipulating (scaling, scrolling, coloring, etc.) the resulting plots.

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3d Function Explorer

Another tool in the Explorer series, the 3d Explorer manipulates functions of two or three variables, and renders them as contour or density maps, respectively. Allows for panning, zooming, and a choice of linear or logarithmic scales.

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EigenSolver

The EigenSolver tool is used to find solutions to the time -independent Schrödinger wave equation in one dimension. Bound state wavefunctions and their energies are obtained by matching solutions at the interface of adjacent regions where the asymptotic waveforms are known. Provision exists to calculate all relevant statistics (probabilities, averages, uncertainties). Reflection and transmission amplitudes are furnished for scattering waveforms.

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3d EigenSolver

Adapted from the EigenSolver tool and with similar capabilities, the 3d EigenSolver finds solutions to the radial wave equation for spherically symmetric potentials. Provision is made for plotting the radial wavefunction as well as the full three-dimensional waveform for orbital quantum numbers smaller than ten.

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WaveSolver

The WaveSolver tool animates time-dependent quantum wavefunctions in one dimension using the Crank-Nicolson method with a fifth-order Numerov algorithm for the spatial integration. This produces the most accurate numerical simulations to date of quantum phenomena in one space dimension. Either rigid-wall or discrete transparent boundary conditions are used, depending on the problem at hand.

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