Eigenfunctions of Laplace Transform

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The discussion focuses on identifying functions and constants that satisfy the integral equation involving the Laplace transform, specifically where the integral of the product of a function and an exponential equals the function evaluated at a point. Induction suggests a condition related to the Caputo fractional derivative, indicating a potential connection to fractional calculus. One example of an eigenfunction mentioned is 1/sqrt(t), although the corresponding eigenvalue is not recalled. Participants are encouraged to explore large tables of Laplace transforms for additional eigenfunctions. The thread highlights the complexity of the topic and the need for further information to assist in finding solutions.
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Firstly, if this is an inappropriate forum for this thread, feel free to move it. This is a calculus-y equation related to differential equations, but I don't believe it's strictly a differential equation.

The question I'm asking is which functions ##f:\left[0,\infty\right)\rightarrow\mathbb{R}## and real constants ##\lambda## have the property that ##\int_0^\infty\left(f\left(t\right)\cdot e^{-s\cdot t}\right)\cdot\mathrm{d}t=f\left(s\right)## for all ##s## in some open interval.

The question was left somewhat open-ended in this old thread, but since it was from 6 years ago, I felt reviving it would be somewhat unnecessary.

Induction on ##n## gives us the apparently trivial condition that ##\int_0^\infty\left(\left(-t\right)^n\cdot e^{-s\cdot t}\cdot f\left(t\right)\right)\cdot\mathrm{d}t=\lambda\cdot f^{\left(n\right)}\left(s\right)##; the left hand side seems to be screaming Caputo fractional derivative, so perhaps this is of some use. That's basically all I've got.
 
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One eigenfunction (if I recall correctly) is \frac{1}{\sqrt{t}}; I recall working this out in a complex analysis homework assignment but don't recall the eigenvalue. Others may exist - try looking in large tables of Laplace Transforms and you may find others.

jason
 

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