3D-Fourier Transform of a delta-function?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the evaluation of a 3D Fourier transform involving a delta function, specifically the integral of the form int(delta(r-b)*exp(ikr)d^3r). The original poster is attempting to integrate in spherical coordinates and is seeking assistance with the angular part of the integral.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster describes their approach to the integral, expressing uncertainty about the angular integration and suggesting that the solution should not involve angles. They speculate about a potential trigonometric function being involved. Other participants question the implications of using a delta function in multiple dimensions and the meaning of the variables in the expression.

Discussion Status

Participants are engaged in clarifying the nature of the delta function in the context of the integral and exploring the implications of integrating in polar coordinates. There is a recognition of the complexity introduced by the multiple meanings of the variable r. The original poster later indicates they found a solution by adjusting their coordinate system.

Contextual Notes

There is mention of the delta function's properties and the need to consider the dimensionality of the problem. The discussion reflects a mix of confusion regarding variable definitions and integration techniques in spherical coordinates.

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Homework Statement


hi
im trying to the integral int(delta(r-b)*exp(ikr)d^3r). but I am not really getting anywhere.
I´m trying to integrate over all space in spherical coordinates.
The r part is easy i just do:

delta(r-b)*exp(ikr)r^2*sin(a)*b*dr*da*db -> b^2*exp(ikb*cos(someangle??)*sin(a)*da*db

(sorry that i´m not familiar with tex :( )

I kinda need some help how to do the angular part.
My idea was that the solution should not invole the angles in any sense that´s sure and i think that it´s some kind of trigonometric function but i got no clue how to get somewhere i have some feeling that it´s somethink link sin(bk) * normalization factor but how to get there ?

Any help would be appreciated
thanks :)
 
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The whole purpose in life of a delta function is to satisfy the condition int(delta(x-a)*f(x))=f(a). So your integral had better come out to be exp(ikb).
 
but I am integrating in polar coordinates not in one dimension?
my intetgral (leaving out angular parts!) is int(delta(x-b) * exp(ikx))*r^2 dr isn`t it ?
 
If it's a real 3d delta function the coordinates can't matter, can they?
 
hmm yes but it`s a one dimensional delta function in front of a 3d object so you got to take that into account and take dV=r^2*sin(a)*da*db don't you ?
 
Ok, so it's a delta over the coordinate r, not the vector r integrated d^3r. Then what's exp(ikr)? Is r the coordinate r or is it a dot product? If the latter then you have more than one meaning for r in your expression.
 
oh yea sorry for that it think i wrote that somehere in parentesis :)
But youre right i got 2 meanings for one variable sorry :(
you got any idea how to solve that anyways can´t find any solution anywhere even though it seems to be a pretty common problem in stat. mechanics :(
 
:D can be deleted i solved it was really easy just hat to set my coordinate system so that k hat only a z-component :)
 

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