2D Fourier transform of Coulomb potenial

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The forum discussion centers on the 2D Fourier transform of the Coulomb potential, specifically the integral \int \mathrm{d}^2x \frac{1}{|\mathbf{x}|} e^{- \mathrm{i} \mathbf{q} \cdot \mathbf{x}} = \frac{2 \pi}{q}. The user has successfully performed the 3D Fourier transform but struggles with the 2D case. A key suggestion involves switching to polar coordinates to simplify the calculation, and the angular integral can be expressed in terms of the Bessel function of the first kind, J_0(\overline{r}), which satisfies a well-known differential equation.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of 2D integrals and Fourier transforms
  • Familiarity with polar coordinates in mathematical analysis
  • Knowledge of Bessel functions, specifically J_0
  • Basic concepts of differential equations
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of the Bessel function of the first kind, J_0(\overline{r})
  • Learn about the properties and applications of Fourier transforms in physics
  • Explore the convergence criteria for integrals involving potentials
  • Investigate differential equations related to Bessel functions
USEFUL FOR

Physicists, mathematicians, and students specializing in quantum mechanics or electromagnetism, particularly those working with potential theory and Fourier analysis.

realtrip
Messages
4
Reaction score
0
The result is well known, but i need more details about the integral below
<br /> \int \mathrm{d}^2x \frac{1}{|\mathbf{x}|} e^{- \mathrm{i} \mathbf{q} \cdot \mathbf{x}} = \frac{2 \pi}{q}

I've done the Fourier transform of the Coulomb potential in 3D. But failed to get the right answer in 2D.

I did only a few practice about 2D integrals. Will anyone show me more details about it?

Thanks in advance!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
realtrip said:
The result is well known, but i need more details about the integral below
<br /> \int \mathrm{d}^2x \frac{1}{|\mathbf{x}|} e^{- \mathrm{i} \mathbf{q} \cdot \mathbf{x}} = \frac{2 \pi}{q}

I've done the Fourier transform of the Coulomb potential in 3D. But failed to get the right answer in 2D.

Well, what did you try? Show us your attempt.
 
A little too long, and no latex in this computer.

So, i upload a screenshot in the attachment.

Thanks!
 

Attachments

  • ss.jpg
    ss.jpg
    41.8 KB · Views: 4,234
Yuck!:wink:

I wouldn't write the complex exponential in terms of sines and cosines if I were you. Instead, just switch to polar coordinates right away (with your coordinate system chosen so that \textbf{q} points in the positive x-direction) to get:

\oint d^2 x \frac{e^{-i\textbf{q}\cdot\textbf{x}}}{|\textbf{x}|}=\int_0^\infty dr \left(\int_0^{2\pi} e^{-iqr\cos\theta}d\theta \right)

If you don't immediately recognize the angular integral, try defining \overline{r}=qr and compute the first two derivatives of the integral w.r.t \overline{q} to show that it satisfies a well known differential equation...:wink:
 
Also, unlike the 3D case, the integral converges without treating the coulomb potential as a limiting case of the Yukawa potential.
 
Thanks for your reply.

I'm not sure whether you want me to do the second derivatives of the angular integral w.r.t \overline{r}=qr or something else. If i haven't misunderstood, I'm sorry to tell you that i really don't know what the well known differential equation is...

Would you give me a little more details? Thanks a lot!
 
Well, I'll tell you that \int_0^{2\pi} e^{-i\overline{r}\cos\theta}d\theta=2\pi J_0(\overline{r})...as for proving it, I'll leave that to you (Hint: What differential equation does the n=0 Bessel function of the 1st kind satisfy?)...
 
Thank you very much!
 

Similar threads

Replies
19
Views
3K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
868
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
740
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K