Cauchy convolution with other distribution

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the convolution of a Cauchy distribution with another distribution, specifically seeking a model for the second distribution that yields a tractable analytic formula. The focus includes theoretical considerations and potential applications of the resulting convolution.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant is looking for a model for a distribution that, when convolved with a Cauchy distribution, results in an analytic formula, noting that convolutions of Cauchy with Cauchy yield another Cauchy distribution.
  • Another participant questions the identification of the Cauchy distribution, asking for details such as whether it is the standard Cauchy distribution and its median.
  • A participant mentions that the Cauchy function is a theoretical model for concentration related to equilibrium constants, rather than a statistical distribution, and expresses a desire to fit a distribution of medians of the equilibrium constant.
  • There is a reference to the Voigt distribution, which is a convolution of Cauchy with a normal distribution, but it is noted that no analytical formula is available for this convolution.
  • A participant proposes a specific mathematical problem related to finding a non-negative function g(x) that allows for the existence of certain integrals, seeking a closed form solution.
  • One participant claims to have solved the problem using a Sips distribution as g, which involves a function of ln x and a partial fraction decomposition.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

The discussion contains multiple competing views and approaches regarding the convolution of distributions, with no consensus on a specific model or solution. Participants express differing perspectives on the nature of the Cauchy distribution and its application in this context.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved aspects regarding the assumptions about the distributions involved, the specific properties of the Cauchy distribution in question, and the mathematical steps required to derive an analytic formula.

DrDu
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I have a set of data which are probably convolutions of a Cauchy distribution with some other distribution. I am looking for some model for this other distribution so that a tractable analytic formula results. I know that the convolution Cauchy with Cauchy is again Cauchy, but I want the other function in the convolution to have defined first and second moment. Apparently there is a convolution of Cauchy with a normal distribution called Voigt distribution, but there is no analytical formula available. Any ideas?

Thank you very much!
 
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I'm rather curious how you know it's a convolution with a Cauchy distribution.
Do you have any information about this Cauchy distribution? Is it the standard Cauchy distribution? Do you know its median?
 
The Cauchy function is a theoretical model for concentration as a function of other concentrations and an equilibrium constant, not a statistical distribution. However I want to fit a distribution of the medians of the equilibrium constant.
 
DrDu said:
Apparently there is a convolution of Cauchy with a normal distribution called Voigt distribution, but there is no analytical formula available.

For what are we seeking an analytical formula - for the probability density function of the convolution ?

Does that amount to saying:

Find a non-negative function g(x) such that \int_{-\infty}^{\infty} g(x) dx exists and \int_{-\infty}^{\infty} \frac{1}{Ax^2 + Bx + C} g(y-x) dx has a closed form solution.
 
Yes, this was my problem. I solved it using a Sips distribution as g, which is a function of ln x rather than x, and a partial fraction decomposition.
 

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