Double integral of product of Diracs

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the evaluation of a double integral involving Dirac delta functions, specifically the expression \sum_{n=0}^{N-1} f(nT) g(nT). The user initially attempts to rewrite this sum using the definition of the Dirac delta function, leading to an incorrect substitution that simplifies the product of delta functions incorrectly. The correct approach involves recognizing that the product of delta functions does not equate to a single delta function, and the final result should only hold in the limit as N approaches infinity. The user ultimately clarifies that their goal was to prove a relationship involving Fourier transforms of periodic functions.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Dirac delta functions and their properties
  • Familiarity with Fourier transforms and their applications
  • Knowledge of Riemann sums and their relation to integrals
  • Basic principles of periodic functions in mathematical analysis
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the properties of Dirac delta functions in detail
  • Learn about Fourier transforms and their implications in signal processing
  • Explore the concept of Riemann sums and their convergence to integrals
  • Investigate the behavior of products of distributions in mathematical analysis
USEFUL FOR

Mathematicians, physicists, and engineers working with signal processing, particularly those interested in the application of Dirac delta functions and Fourier analysis in periodic systems.

juriguen
Messages
2
Reaction score
0
Hi there!

I am having a bit of a trouble when I try to work out a demonstration involving Dirac delta functions. I know, they are not real functions, and all that, but it only makes my life more difficult :)

Lets begin by the beginning to see if anyone can help. The first equation I will write I think comes straight from the definition of the Dirac distribution:
[tex] \int_{-\infty}^{\infty} f(t) \delta(t-nT) \mathrm{d}t = f(nT)[/tex]

Ok, so far so good. But now I want to evaluate a more complicated expression:
[tex] \sum_{n=0}^{N-1} f(nT) g(nT)[/tex]

I guess, there should be no problem to rewrite each sampled function by means of the integral involving the Dirac distribution, so that the equation becomes:
[tex] \sum_{n=0}^{N-1} f(nT) g(nT) = \sum_{n=0}^{N-1} \int_{-\infty}^{\infty} f(t) \delta(t-nT) \mathrm{d}t \int_{-\infty}^{\infty} g(\tau) \delta(\tau-nT) \mathrm{d}\tau[/tex]

But now it comes when I don't know how to continue. For me the following demonstration would be just right, but the result is quite surprising:
[tex] \sum_{n=0}^{N-1} f(nT) g(nT) = \int_{-\infty}^{\infty} f(t) \int_{-\infty}^{\infty} g(\tau) \sum_{n=0}^{N-1} \delta(t-nT) \delta(\tau-nT) \mathrm{d}t \mathrm{d}\tau = \int_{-\infty}^{\infty} f(t) \int_{-\infty}^{\infty} g(\tau) \sum_{n=0}^{N-1} \delta(t-\tau) \mathrm{d}t \mathrm{d}\tau = N \int_{-\infty}^{\infty} f(t) g(t) \mathrm{d}t[/tex]

There's almost definitely something wrong there, since I believe the above result should only hold in the limit when N tends to infinity. I say this because the equality basically resembles the interpretation of the integral as a Riemann sum.

Any help would be really appreciated!

Thanks in advance
Jose
 
Physics news on Phys.org
The key step that's incorrect should be you replace:

[tex]F_1=\delta (t-n T)\delta (\tau -n T)[/tex]

with

[tex]F_2=\delta (t-\tau )[/tex]

Clearly, [tex]F_1[/tex] is non-zero when both [tex]t = n T[/tex] and [tex]\tau = n T[/tex]. Though it is true that [tex]t = \tau[/tex], but you missed [tex]t = n T[/tex].

There is a second problem as well. A product of delta functions won't be equal to a single delta function.
 
Thanks for the answer ross_tang. I suspected that was the wrong step. However, how would the demonstration continue otherwise?

Ok, I found my answer. Anyone who may want to continue posting is welcome, since the problem is interesting on its own (at least for me). But the above demo is an intermediate step for another proof which, in fact, is not needed. The one I did have to prove was the following:

[tex] \sum_{n=0}^{N-1} f(nT) g^{*}(nT) = \sum_{n=0}^{N-1} \left( \sum_{k} \hat{f}(k) \mathrm{e}^{j2\pi kn\frac{T}{\tau}} \right) \left( \sum_{k'} \hat{g}^{*}(k') \mathrm{e}^{-j2\pi k'n\frac{T}{\tau}} \right) = \sum_{k} \hat{f}(k) \sum_{k} \hat{g}^{*}(k') N\delta_{k,k'} = N \sum_{k} \hat{f}(k)\hat{g}^{*}(k)[/tex]

where the first step holds only for periodic functions (which is my case), and the last is true when tau=NT, which is my case too!
 
Last edited:

Similar threads

  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
9K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
4K
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
4K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
4K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K