Fourier transform of Dirac delta

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the Fourier transform of the Dirac delta function, specifically the expression for the Fourier transform of the function f(x) = δ(x+d) + δ(x-d). Participants explore different conventions used in defining the Fourier transform and their implications on the results obtained.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant describes the Fourier transform and inverse transform formulas they learned, applying them to the delta function example.
  • Another participant questions whether their solution is valid given the potential use of different conventions in the problem.
  • A participant notes that the answer can be expressed as 2cos(kd) but acknowledges that the presence of a coefficient like 1/√2π depends on the convention used.
  • One participant explains that the 1/√2π convention is favored in more mathematically oriented contexts for its isometric properties in L2 space, while the simpler convention without coefficients is preferred by engineers for ease of use.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants acknowledge the existence of multiple conventions for the Fourier transform, leading to differing results. There is no consensus on which convention is superior, as preferences vary based on context and application.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight that the choice of convention affects the coefficients in the Fourier transform and inverse transform, which may lead to different interpretations of the same mathematical expressions.

spacetimedude
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In lectures, I have learned that F(k)= \int_{-\infty}^{\infty} e^{-ikx}f(x)dx where F(k) is the Fourier transform of f(x) and the inverse Fourier transform is f(x)= \frac{1}{2\pi}\int_{-\infty}^{\infty} e^{ikx}f(k)dk .
But on the same chapter in the lecture notes, there is an example solving for the Fourier transform of f(x)=(\delta(x+d))+(\delta(x-d)).
I set the transform as F(k)= \int_{-\infty}^{\infty} e^{-ikx}(\delta(x+d))+(\delta(x-d))dxSplitting the integral into two and using the sifting property, I got F(k)=e^{ikd}+e^{-ikd} But the solution has \frac{1}{\sqrt{2\pi}} in front, hence from there they used the trig identity to get it in terms of cosine.
I searched on google and there seems to be different conventions on the transform. But I am only familiar with the one I mentioned. How can I get to the solution using the integral form I used?
 
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Hmm, it could be that he used a different convention just for this problem. Is my solution still a valid answer?
 
spacetimedude said:
Hmm, it could be that he used a different convention just for this problem. Is my solution still a valid answer?
Actually from what I see the answer is 2\cos(kd), but depending on the convention used you can have \frac{1}{\sqrt{2\pi}} in front of both the forward and backward transforms.
 
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Yes, the 1/√2π convention that Septim mentions is used by the more mathematically oriented scientists, since in that case both the Fourier transform and its inverse are isometries on the space L2 of square-integrable functions, which is often a very convenient thing to have.*

The other most common convention, with no coefficient (okay, it's actually 1) in the forward transform tends to be preferred by engineers, who then don't have to worry about any coefficient every time they do a (forward) transform, and never have to worry about a square root even with the inverse transform.

___________________
* Technically, any two square-integrable functions are considered to be the same in L2 if they differ only on a set of measure 0. Thus L2 is not precisely a set of functions, but rather a set of equivalence classes.
 
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