Integrating Fourier Transform of Exponential Function

In summary, the problem is trying to solve the Fourier integral of ∫f(x) * exp(-i§x) dx from -∞ to ∞, where f(x) = exp(-sgn(x)). The two possible methods are breaking the function into two pieces and integrating them separately, or trying to integrate exp(-i§x) * exp(-sgn(x)) as a whole. The value of § is (n*PI)/L, where 2L is one period and L is the period of the function. If the function is periodic, a Fourier Series can be used instead of a Fourier transform. If the function is not periodic, the Fourier transform \int_{-infty}^\infty f
  • #1
Swatch
89
0
I am trying to solve this Fourier problem where I have to integrate
∫f(x) * exp(-i§x) dx from -∞ to ∞ , where f(x) = exp(-sgn(x))
I tried breaking the function into two pieces where x is from -∞ to 0 and from 0 to ∞ where f(x) would then be exp(x) and exp(-x) and integrating two functions, but that didn't seem to be working. The the other way I can think of is trying to integrate
exp(-i§x) * exp(-sgn(x)), but I'm not sure if that is possible. Could anyone please give me a hint?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
What is § ? a constant, an operator, or a function?
 
  • #3
it is (n*PI)/L ,where 2L is one period which I just treat as a constant
 
  • #4
L is one period of what? If your function, f, is periodic, then you need only integrate over one period. In that case, you are talking about a Fourier Series, not a Fourier transform and probably would find it easier to use [itex]sin(\frac{n\pi}{L}t)[/itex] and [tex]cos(\frac{n\pi}{L}t)[/itex] rather than complex exponentials.

If is not periodic, then you need the Fourier transform [itex]\int_{-infty}^\infty f(x)e^{-ixt}dt[/itex].
 

1. What is the Fourier Transform of an exponential function?

The Fourier Transform of an exponential function is a complex-valued function that represents the frequency components of the original exponential function. It is used to decompose a function into its constituent frequencies and can also be used to reconstruct the original function.

2. How is the Fourier Transform of an exponential function calculated?

The Fourier Transform of an exponential function can be calculated using the formula F(w) = ∫f(t)e^(-iwt)dt, where w represents the frequency and t represents time. This involves integrating the exponential function with respect to time over a certain range.

3. What are the applications of integrating the Fourier Transform of an exponential function?

The Fourier Transform of an exponential function has many applications in various fields such as signal processing, image processing, and physics. It is used to analyze and filter signals, remove noise from images, and solve differential equations in physics.

4. Can the Fourier Transform of an exponential function be inverted?

Yes, the Fourier Transform of an exponential function can be inverted to obtain the original function. The inverse Fourier Transform formula is f(t) = ∫F(w)e^(iwt)dw, where F(w) is the Fourier Transform of the function and t is the time variable.

5. How does the Fourier Transform of an exponential function relate to the Fourier Series?

The Fourier Transform of an exponential function is closely related to the Fourier Series. The Fourier Series represents a periodic function as a sum of sinusoidal functions, while the Fourier Transform represents a non-periodic function as a continuous spectrum of frequencies. The Fourier Transform can be seen as the limit of the Fourier Series as the period approaches infinity.

Similar threads

  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
5
Views
358
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
5
Views
906
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
366
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
287
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
8
Views
998
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
6
Views
436
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
845
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
6
Views
914
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
1K
Back
Top