2D Fourier transform of Coulomb potenial

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on the 2D Fourier transform of the Coulomb potential, specifically the integral involving the expression 1/|x| and an exponential term. The original poster seeks clarification on the integral's evaluation, noting difficulties transitioning from 3D to 2D. A suggestion is made to switch to polar coordinates to simplify the calculation, emphasizing the importance of recognizing the angular integral. The conversation also touches on the relationship between the integral and Bessel functions, hinting at a differential equation that the Bessel function satisfies. Overall, the thread provides insights into the mathematical approach needed to solve the integral correctly.
realtrip
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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!
 
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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!
 

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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!
 
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