Existence of Laplace transform

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the existence and properties of the Laplace transform, specifically focusing on the conditions under which the integral $$\int^\infty_0 e^{-st} f(t)\, dt$$ is analytic in the right half-plane for complex values of $s$. The scope includes theoretical aspects and mathematical reasoning related to piecewise continuous functions and their behavior at infinity.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants assert that if $f$ is piecewise continuous on $$[0,\infty)$$ and of exponential order $c$, then the Laplace transform is analytic in the right half-plane for $$\mathrm{Re}(s)>c$$.
  • One participant acknowledges a significant mistake in their proof regarding the modulus of the exponential term, stating that the assumption $$|e^{-st}| = e^{-st}$$ is incorrect when $s$ is complex.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants appear to agree on the conditions under which the Laplace transform is analytic, but there is a recognition of errors in the initial reasoning presented by one participant, indicating some level of uncertainty or need for clarification.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights the importance of correctly handling complex variables in the context of the Laplace transform, particularly regarding the behavior of the exponential term. There may be unresolved mathematical steps related to the proof of analyticity.

alyafey22
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Prove the following

Suppose that $f$ is piecewise continuous on $$[0,\infty) $$ and of exponential order $c$ then

$$\int^\infty_0 e^{-st} f(t)\, dt $$​

is analytic in the right half-plane for $$\mathrm{Re}(s)>c$$
 
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If $f(t)$ is of exponential order $c$, then there exists a real constant $c$ and positive constants $M$ and $T$ such that $|f(t)| \le M e^{c t}$ when $t > T$.

Then

$$|F(s)| = \Big| \int_{0}^{\infty} f(t) e^{-st} \ dt \Big| \le \int_{0}^{\infty} |f(t) e^{-st}| \ dt = \int_{0}^{T} |f(t) e^{-st} | \ dt + \int_{T}^{\infty} |f(t)e^{-st}| \ dt$$

$$ \le \int_{0}^{T} |f(t) e^{-st} | \ dt + M \int_{T}^{\infty} e^{ct} e^{-\text{Re}(s) t} \ dt $$

$$ = \int_{0}^{T} |f(t) e^{-st} | \ dt + M \int_{T}^{\infty} e^{[c-\text{Re}(s)]t} \ dt$$The first integral converges for all values of $s$ since $f(t)$ is continuous.

And the second integral converges if $\text{Re} (s) > c $.

So $F(s)$ is absolutely convergent for $\text{Re}(s) >c$, and is thus complex differentiable (i.e., analytic) for $\text{Re}(s) > c$.
 
Last edited:
ZaidAlyafey said:
Prove the following

Suppose that $f$ is piecewise continuous on $$[0,\infty) $$ and of exponential order $c$ then

$$\int^\infty_0 e^{-st} f(t)\, dt $$​

is analytic in the right half-plane for $$\mathrm{Re}(s)>c$$

A function f(t) is said to be of 'exponential order c' if for any M>0 exists a T>0 for which for all t>T is $\displaystyle |f(t)| \le M\ e^{c\ t}$. An f(t) of exponential order c admits Laplace Transform...

$\displaystyle \mathcal{L}\ \{f(t)\} = F(s) = \int_{0}^{\infty} f(t)\ e^{- s\ t}\ dt\ (1)$

... and the integral in (1) converges if $\text{Re}\ (s) > c$. Now applying the Inverse Laplace Transform formula to F(s) You have to obtain f(t) as follows...

$\displaystyle f(t) = \frac{1}{2\ \pi\ i}\ \int_{\gamma - i\ \infty}^{\gamma + i\ \infty} F(s)\ e^{s\ t}\ ds\ (2)$

... where $\gamma$ has to be $\ge c$ and on the right of all singularities of F(s) and that means that F(s) is analytic for all s for which is $\displaystyle \text{Re}\ (s) > c$...
Kind regards

$\chi$ $\sigma$
 
Last edited by a moderator:
I corrected a significant mistake in my proof.

I originally said that $|e^{-st}| = e^{-st}$.

That's obviously not true if $s$ is complex.
 

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