Fourier transform with Mathematica (Dirac mean position eigenfunction)

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the challenges of calculating the Fourier transform of a mean-position eigenfunction related to the Dirac equation using Mathematica. The focus is on the mathematical formulation and transformation of wavefunctions from momentum space (p-space) to position space (r-space), particularly under the context of a reverse Foldy-Wouthuysen transformation.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant describes their attempt to evaluate the Fourier transform of a specific wavefunction dependent on a complex expression involving k, which is defined in units of the Compton wavevector.
  • Another participant notes that the function in question is not square integrable over k-space, which may complicate the Fourier transform.
  • Some participants express concern about the importance of the difference from k, emphasizing that the exact spatial extent of the wavefunction is crucial for their analysis.
  • A later reply seeks clarification on whether the Fourier transform can be performed or if it is inherently impossible.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the feasibility of performing the Fourier transform, with some expressing skepticism about the integrability of the function while others highlight its significance in the context of the Dirac mean-position eigenfunction.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the potential non-integrability of the function over k-space and the specific assumptions related to the Fourier transform's applicability in this context.

Jacob
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Mathematica can't calculate Fourier transform (Dirac mean position eigenfunction)

Hi, I'm attempting to use Mathematica to calculate a mean-position eigenfunction of the Dirac equation. To do so I need to evaluate Fourier transforms (from p-space to r-space) of wavefunctions dependent on:

[tex] <br /> \frac1{{\sqrt{{({1+{k^2}+{\sqrt{1+{k^2}}}})}}}}<br /> [/tex]

where k is in units of the Compton wavevector.

Mathematica is unable to evaluate the FT of the above (either Fourier sine transform or normal FT). Can anyone give any suggestions as to how I could evaluate it?

More specifically, I am making a reverse Foldy-Wouthuysen transformation of a mean-position eigenfunction in p-space, then transforming the result into r-space assuming spherical symmetry. The first component of the r-space eigenfunction is given by the Fourier sine transform of:

[tex]k\,{\sqrt{1+{\frac1{\sqrt{1+{k^2}}}}}}[/tex]

Thanks for any help.
 
Last edited:
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Hi again, have I posted this in the right forum? If not please suggest where I'm most likely to get an answer!

Otherwise I would be very grateful if anyone could tell me either how to Fourier transform:

[tex]k\,{\sqrt{1+{\frac1{\sqrt{1+{k^2}}}}}}[/tex]

or that it is not possible to do so.
 
I sure can't, but the function isn't square integrable over k-space in any case.

Also, it is in very good approximation equal to k.
 
Thanks :).

Unfortunately it's the difference from k that's important as it is the exact spatial extent of the wavefunction which is of interest (it is a Dirac delta in the untransformed Foldy-Wouthuysen representation since it's a mean position eigenfunction and mean position = r in that representation).
 
Last edited:

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