Approximation of error function-type integral

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The forum discussion focuses on approximating the integral \(\int_0^{\infty} dt \:e^{-iA(t-B)^2}\) where \(A\) and \(B\) are real numbers, with \(A > 0\) and \(B = b \cos\theta\). The user explores the implications of varying \(B\) and \(A\) on the integral's limits and results, particularly when \(B \ll 0\) and \(B \geq 0\). The discussion concludes that for large positive \(\sqrt{A}B\), the integral can be approximated as \(\sqrt{\frac{\pi}{A}} e^{-i\frac{\pi}{4}}\), while for intermediate negative values of \(\sqrt{A}B\), further analysis is required to determine the behavior of the integral.

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Hi! How do I approximate the integral
\begin{equation} \int_0^{\infty} dt \:e^{-iA(t-B)^2} \end{equation}
with [itex]A, B[/itex] real, [itex]A > 0[/itex], and [itex]B=b \cos\theta[/itex] where [itex]0 \leq \theta < 2\pi[/itex]?
I guess for [itex]B\ll 0[/itex] the lower limit may be extended to [itex]- \infty[/itex] to yield a full complex gaussian integral, but what about [itex]B \geq 0[/itex]? And what happens for [itex]A \gg 1[/itex] and [itex]A \ll 1[/itex] respectively?
Thanks for your help!
 
Last edited:
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If you let [itex]x= \sqrt{A}(t- B)[/itex] then the integral becomes
[tex]\frac{1}{\sqrt{A}}\int_{-\sqrt{A}B}^\infty e^{-x^2}dx[/tex]
 
Ok, so for

\begin{equation}
\frac{1}{\sqrt{A}} \int_{-\sqrt{A}B}^{\infty} dx \: e^{-ix^2}
\end{equation}

with [itex]\sqrt{A}B[/itex] large and positive we may extend the limit to [itex]-\infty[/itex] and obtain [itex]\sqrt{\frac{\pi}{A}} e^{-i\frac{\pi}{4}}[/itex], and for [itex]\sqrt{A}B\approx 0[/itex] we get half of that, but what happens for [itex]\sqrt{A}B[/itex] negative? I suppose we get 0 for large, negative [itex]\sqrt{A}B[/itex] (?), but I don't know how to handle the approximation for "intermediate" negative [itex]\sqrt{A}B[/itex].

Can anyone help? Thanks!
 
Last edited:

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