Complex analysis - an integral with branch cuts

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on evaluating the integral \(\int_{-\infty}^{+\infty}dx \frac{(\pi+\sqrt{x^2+m^2})^2(1+\cos x)}{(x^2-\pi^2)^2\sqrt{x^2+m^2}}\) using complex analysis techniques. Participants suggest complexifying the integral and considering contour integration, specifically addressing the poles at \(\pm\pi\) and \(\pm im\). The importance of handling branch cuts of the square root in the denominator is emphasized, along with strategies such as expanding the numerator and using partial fractions to simplify the expression.

PREREQUISITES
  • Complex analysis, specifically contour integration
  • Understanding of branch cuts in complex functions
  • Partial fraction decomposition techniques
  • Knowledge of improper integrals and convergence criteria
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the properties of complex functions and branch cuts in detail
  • Learn advanced techniques in contour integration, including residue theorem applications
  • Practice partial fraction decomposition with various rational functions
  • Investigate convergence tests for improper integrals in greater depth
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Mathematics students, particularly those studying complex analysis, and anyone involved in evaluating integrals with branch cuts and poles. This discussion is beneficial for those looking to deepen their understanding of advanced integration techniques.

Loro
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Homework Statement



Hi, I need to calculate the following integral:

\int_{-\infty}^{+\infty}dx \frac{(\pi+\sqrt{x^2+m^2})^2(1+\cos x)}{(x^2-\pi^2)^2\sqrt{x^2+m^2}}

The Attempt at a Solution



I tried complexifying it:

\oint dz \frac{(\pi+\sqrt{z^2+m^2})^2(1+e^{iz})}{(z^2-\pi^2)^2\sqrt{z^2+m^2}}

And having this over the following contour (sorry for the quality of the image):

https://www.dropbox.com/s/t7ioou1kjs3y7ej/paint.jpg?dl=0

The red dots are the poles at: \pm\pi and \pm im.

But is it a valid contour in this case, or should I pay extra attention to the branch cuts of the sqrt in the denominator? If so, how do I choose the contour properly?
 

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Loro said:

Homework Statement



Hi, I need to calculate the following integral:

\int_{-\infty}^{+\infty}dx \frac{(\pi+\sqrt{x^2+m^2})^2(1+\cos x)}{(x^2-\pi^2)^2\sqrt{x^2+m^2}}

The Attempt at a Solution



I tried complexifying it:

\oint dz \frac{(\pi+\sqrt{z^2+m^2})^2(1+e^{iz})}{(z^2-\pi^2)^2\sqrt{z^2+m^2}}

And having this over the following contour (sorry for the quality of the image):

https://www.dropbox.com/s/t7ioou1kjs3y7ej/paint.jpg?dl=0

The red dots are the poles at: \pm\pi and \pm im.

But is it a valid contour in this case, or should I pay extra attention to the branch cuts of the sqrt in the denominator? If so, how do I choose the contour properly?

Well let me start off by saying that improper integrals are by no means my specialty, but I'll try to offer some assistance if that's alright.

I don't know if I would "complexify " the integral like that, as I'm not sure that really simplifies it.

What I am noticing however, is that you have similar terms in the numerator and denominator, and that makes me think expanding your numerator and splitting it up into 2 (or more) fractions might be helpful, as you might get some useful cancellations.

If that didn't work for me, I might try rewriting this whole thing (or maybe the new split up fraction) by splitting the denominator via partial fractions.

Have you tried any of these things? If so I'd be curious to see what it looked like.
 
With a little grunting you can get
<br /> \begin{align*}<br /> \dfrac{(\pi + \sqrt{x^2 + m^2})^2 (1 + \cos(x))}{(x^2 - \pi^2)^2 \sqrt{x^2+m^2}} &amp; = %<br /> \dfrac{(\pi^2 + 2 \pi \sqrt{x^2 + m^2} + (x^2 + m^2))(1+\cos(x))} {%<br /> (x^2-\pi^2)^2 \sqrt{x^2 + m^2}} \\<br /> &amp; = T1 + T2 + T3 \text{ where}\\<br /> T1 &amp; = \dfrac{\pi^2 (1+\cos(x))}{(x^2-\pi^2)^2 \sqrt{x^2 + m^2}} \\<br /> T2 &amp; = \dfrac{2 \pi(1+\cos(x))}{(x^2-\pi^2)^2} \\<br /> T3 &amp; = \dfrac{\sqrt{x^2 + m^2}(1+\cos(x))}{(x^2-\pi^2)^2}<br /> \end{align*}<br />

You can also note that your integrand is even so you can try integrating from 0 to ∞ and see if that helps.

Are you sure this integral converges?
 

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