Supersymmetric quantum mechanics, the variational method and a new shape invariant potential

The association of the variational method with supersymmetric quantum mechanics through an ansatz for the superpotential is reviewed and the approximate energy spectra of non-exactly solvable potentials, such like the Hulthen, the Morse and the screened Coulomb potentials, in 3 dimensions, are presented. A sketch of a new exactly shape invariant potential is also presented.