Derivation of Dirac Delta Function

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the derivation of the Dirac delta function, specifically through the integral representation involving the exponential function. Participants explore the validity and interpretation of this integral in the context of mathematical definitions and properties.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions how the integral \(\frac{1}{2\pi }\int_{-\infty}^{\infty}e^{ikx}dk\) leads to the Dirac delta function.
  • Another participant clarifies that the integral should not be treated as a standard integral from calculus, suggesting a more nuanced interpretation involving distributions.
  • Some participants express confusion about how to solve the integral, with one stating that it cannot be solved in the traditional sense.
  • One participant proposes an alternative approach using the limit \(\lim_{n \to \infty}\frac{\sin(nx)}{\pi x}=\delta (x\), asserting it should have meaning, while another counters that it does not.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the interpretation of the integral or the validity of the proposed alternative approaches. Multiple competing views remain regarding the nature of the Dirac delta function and the integral's meaning.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved assumptions about the definitions of integrals in the context of distributions, as well as the conditions under which the Dirac delta function is defined. The discussion reflects varying levels of familiarity with advanced mathematical concepts.

coki2000
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Hello,
My question is about how dirac-delta function is derived by using this integral,

[tex]\frac{1}{2\pi }\int_{-\infty}^{\infty}e^{ikx}dk=\delta (x)[/tex]

I couldn't solve this integral. Please help me.
Thanks for all of your helps.
 
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The trick is that that's not an integral, at least not of the sort you learned in Calc 2.

Unfolding all the definitions involved, what they really mean is that
[tex] \frac{1}{2\pi }\int_{-\infty}^{+\infty}\int_{-\infty}^{+\infty}e^{ikx} f(x)\, dx \, dk=f(0)[/tex]​
for any f which is smooth and rapidly decreasing. (Or some similar condition, depending on the precise details of what they're doing)
 
OK, but how can I solve this integral? Actually, I wonder it.

[tex]\frac{1}{2\pi }\int_{-\infty}^{\infty}e^{ikx}dk[/tex]
 
coki2000 said:
OK, but how can I solve this integral? Actually, I wonder it.

[tex]\frac{1}{2\pi }\int_{-\infty}^{\infty}e^{ikx}dk[/tex]

You can't.
Read Hurkyl's response again.
 
If they are using the [itex]\int[/itex] symbol to denote the sort of integral you learned in your Calc 2 class, then that integral doesn't exist.
 
But when I try to integrate it, I take this answer,

[tex]\lim_{n \to \infty}\frac{sin(nx)}{\pi x}=\delta (x)[/tex]

It should have a meaning.
 
coki2000 said:
But when I try to integrate it, I take this answer,

[tex]\lim_{n \to \infty}\frac{sin(nx)}{\pi x}=\delta (x)[/tex]

It should have a meaning.
No, it does not.
 
Okey thanks for your helps.
 
coki2000 said:
Okey thanks for your helps.

You're welcome.
 

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