Can Klein-Gordon Equation Solutions Have Compact Support?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the solutions of the Klein-Gordon equation, particularly focusing on the existence of solutions with compact support and the properties of various types of solutions, including those that diminish rapidly at infinity. The scope includes theoretical exploration and mathematical reasoning related to differential equations and their solutions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses interest in finding general solutions to the Klein-Gordon equation, specifically looking for fast diminishing tempered solutions and solutions with compact support.
  • Another participant suggests that solutions for the 1D potential well problem exist that decay exponentially as x approaches infinity and recommends exploring the particle in a box model.
  • A different participant discusses the validity of using Fourier transforms to solve the equation under certain conditions, specifically questioning the implications of setting f(x,t) to zero for |t| > 1.
  • A later reply indicates that test functions with compact support cannot satisfy the Klein-Gordon equation, suggesting a limitation on the types of solutions that can exist.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the existence of solutions with compact support, with some suggesting that such solutions may not be possible while others explore different types of solutions that decay at infinity.

Contextual Notes

The discussion includes unresolved mathematical steps and assumptions regarding the nature of solutions to the Klein-Gordon equation, particularly in relation to compact support and the use of Fourier transforms.

naima
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I am interested in the solutions of the Klein Gordon equation.
Plane waves solutions are well known in physics. they look like ## e^ { i (kx - \sqrt{k^2 + m^2} t)}## or superpositions of them.
They are finite when t or x go to infinity.
I am looking for the general solution of the problem. In particular are there fast diminishing tempered solutions (in x and t) that could be useful with Schwartz distributions?
Are there solutions whith compact support?

Thanks.
 
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I think there are solutions for the 1D potential well problem that die off exponentially as ## x \rightarrow \pm \infty ##. You might also try solving the equation for a 1D particle in a box, using separation of variables just like in the nonrelativistic case. A helpful reference is Wachter's Relativistic Quantum Mechanics.
 
I know that i can solve differential equations in (x,t) by Fourier transforming them. I get a simpler equation in (k,E) i solve it and i apply the inverse transformation to get the result in (x,t). Is it valid when i have to solve: eqdif(x,t) = 0 AND |t| > 1 => f(x,t) = 0?
I couls so add the condition for supp(f).

Edit:
it seems that |t| > 1 => f(x,t) = 0 is equivalent to ## (1 - rect (t)) f = 0 ##
As Fourier transforms rect in sinc it should give a second equation in E,p : TF(f) - sinc * TF(f) = 0
it uses the convolution of sinc and TF(f).
To be continued...
 
Last edited:
I got an answer here
It shows that test functions with a compact support cannot obey a KG equation.
 

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