ˈeigenfunction Physics.
[tr. G. eigenfunktion.]
A solution of a differential equation possessing solutions only for special values of a parameter.
| 1926 Proc. R. Soc. A. CXII. 661 A set of independent solutions, which may be called eigenfunctions. 1927 [see eigenvalue]. 1938 Nature 16 Apr. 668/1 The homopolar or bond eigenfunction method associated with the names of Heitler, London, Slater and Pauling. 1946 E. C. Titchmarsh (title) Eigenfunction expansions associated with second-order differential equations. 1951 Rev. Mod. Physics XXIII. 1/2 The eigenfunction of a bound state. |