Eigenfunctions of Laplace Transform

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on identifying functions \( f: [0, \infty) \rightarrow \mathbb{R} \) and real constants \( \lambda \) that satisfy the integral equation \( \int_0^\infty (f(t) \cdot e^{-s \cdot t}) \cdot dt = f(s) \) for all \( s \) in a specific open interval. The conversation highlights the use of induction on \( n \) to derive the condition \( \int_0^\infty ((-t)^n \cdot e^{-s \cdot t} \cdot f(t)) \cdot dt = \lambda \cdot f^{(n)}(s) \), suggesting a connection to Caputo fractional derivatives. An example eigenfunction mentioned is \( \frac{1}{\sqrt{t}} \), with references to consulting large tables of Laplace Transforms for additional eigenfunctions.

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  • Basic concepts of eigenfunctions and eigenvalues
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  • Research the properties of Caputo fractional derivatives
  • Explore comprehensive tables of Laplace Transforms for eigenfunctions
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Mathematicians, students of calculus and differential equations, and researchers interested in the applications of Laplace Transforms and fractional calculus.

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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 [itex]\frac{1}{\sqrt{t}}[/itex]; 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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