On the solution of Hill's equation using Milne's method

Abstract
Milne's method is applied to the Hill equation, i.e. the Schrodinger equation for a periodic one-dimensional potential. The method allows a compact discussion of the organization and parameter dependence of the stability bands as well as an efficient numerical computation of the band edges. As an example a class of potentials which show a transition from two to one minimum per period is studied numerically. Furthermore, periodic solutions of the Milne equation are discussed and constructed.