On Hermite Functions, Integral Kernels, and Quantum Wires

In this note, we first evaluate and subsequently achieve a rather accurate approximation of a scalar product, the calculation of which is essential in order to determine the ground state energy in a two-dimensional quantum model. This scalar product involves an integral operator defined in terms of the eigenfunctions of the harmonic oscillator, expressed in terms of the well-known Hermite polynomials, so that some rather sophisticated mathematical tools are required.