Fourier transform solution to electrostatics Poisson equation?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the application of Fourier transforms to solve the electrostatics Poisson equation. Participants explore both theoretical approaches and computational methods, including the use of Discrete Fourier Transform (DFT) in a two-dimensional context.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Homework-related
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant discusses the Fourier transform solution to the Poisson equation, presenting integrals and expressing uncertainty about evaluating a specific integral related to the Green's function.
  • Another participant mentions finding a solution in a book, which involves introducing a pole in the upper half plane to evaluate the integral and subsequently deriving the Poisson Green's function.
  • Several participants express difficulty in evaluating the integral and clarifying whether the challenge lies in the integral itself or in the transition to the Fourier transforms.
  • A different participant describes their approach to solving the Poisson equation in 2D using Discrete Fourier Transform, detailing their method and expressing concern over discrepancies between computational and analytical results.
  • There is a mention of using a Gaussian function as a test case for the potential, with specific parameters provided.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants have not reached a consensus on the evaluation of the integrals or the discrepancies in the computational results. Multiple approaches and challenges are presented, indicating that the discussion remains unresolved.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty regarding the evaluation of integrals and the application of Fourier transforms, indicating potential limitations in their understanding or techniques. The discussion includes specific mathematical expressions and assumptions that may not be universally applicable.

Who May Find This Useful

Readers interested in mathematical methods for solving partial differential equations, particularly in electrostatics, as well as those working with Fourier transforms and computational techniques in physics.

Peeter
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Am just playing around, and
following examples of Fourier transform solutions of the heat equation, tried the same thing for
the electrostatics Poisson equation
<br /> \nabla^2 \phi &amp;= -\rho/\epsilon_0 \\<br />

With Fourier transform pairs
<br /> \begin{align*}<br /> \hat{f}(\mathbf{k}) &amp;= \frac{1}{(\sqrt{2\pi})^3} \iiint f(\mathbf{x}) e^{-i \mathbf{k} \cdot \mathbf{x} } d^3 x \\<br /> {f}(\mathbf{x}) &amp;= \frac{1}{(\sqrt{2\pi})^3} \iiint \hat{f}(\mathbf{k}) e^{i \mathbf{k} \cdot \mathbf{x} } d^3 k \\<br /> \end{align*}<br />

one gets

<br /> \begin{align*}<br /> \phi(\mathbf{x}) &amp;= \frac{1}{\epsilon_0} \int \rho(\mathbf{x}&#039;) G(\mathbf{x-x&#039;}) d^3 x&#039; \\<br /> G(\mathbf{x}) &amp;= \frac{1}{(2 \pi)^3} \iiint \frac{1}{\mathbf{k}^2} e^{ i \mathbf{k} \cdot \mathbf{x} } d^3 k<br /> \end{align*}<br />

Now it seems to me that this integral G only has to be evaluated around a small neighbourhood of the origin. For example if one evaluates one of
the
integrals
<br /> \int_{-\infty}^\infty \frac{1}{{k_1}^2 + {k_2}^2 + {k_3}^3 } e^{ i k_1 x_1 } dk_1 <br />

using a an upper half plane contour the result is zero unless k_2 = k_3 = 0. So one is left with something loosely like

<br /> G(\mathbf{x}) &amp;= \lim_{\epsilon \rightarrow 0} \frac{1}{(2 \pi)^3} <br /> \int_{k_1 = -\epsilon}^{\epsilon} dk_1<br /> \int_{k_2 = -\epsilon}^{\epsilon} dk_2<br /> \int_{k_3 = -\epsilon}^{\epsilon} dk_3<br /> \frac{1}{\mathbf{k}^2} e^{ i \mathbf{k} \cdot \mathbf{x} } <br />

However, from electrostatics we also know that the solution to the Poission equation means that G(\mathbf{x}) = \frac{1}{4\pi\lvert{\mathbf{x}}\rvert}.
Does anybody know of a technique that would reduce the integral limit expression above for G to the 1/x form? Am thinking something residue related, but I'm a bit rusty with my complex variables and how exactly to procede isn't obvious.
 
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found the answer in a book recently purchased, but not yet read (Mathematics of Classical and Quantum Physics). They cleverly introduce a pole in the upper half plane by evaluating

<br /> \iiint \frac{1}{\mathbf{k}^2 + a^2} e^{ i \mathbf{k} \cdot \mathbf{x} } d^3 k<br />

After a change to spherical polar coordinates, that new integral can be evaluated, and the Poisson Green's function follows by letting a tend to zero.
 
I still don't see how to take these integrals. I've tried it a few ways.
 
Do you mean you don't see how to evaluate:

<br /> \iiint \frac{1}{\mathbf{k}^2 + a^2} e^{ i \mathbf{k} \cdot \mathbf{x} } d^3 k<br />

or, you don't see how to get to that point by taking the Fourier transforms?
 
Nevermind - I got it.
 
Hi, yes, it was taking that integral that I was having trouble with. Thanks.
 
hi

I am trying to solve the electrostatic poisson's equation mentioned in the first post in 2D using Discrete Fourier Transform (I am using fftw3 library and REDFT10 / REDFT01 transforms). For my problem, I have charge densities given in a 2D plane at discrete points and I have to find out potential at those points. The range of solution, and boundary condition are :

0 < x < L1 and 0 < y < L2 and Dirichlet boundary condition.

I have taken phi to be 2D - Gaussian function (peaked at center of 2D grid) with sigma = 1.0, phi0 = 10.0, so that I am able to check the results analytically too.

I am writing below the steps:

1. I take 2D - DFT of charge densitiy
2. Solve the equation in Fourier space for phi in Fourier space
3. take inverse 2D - DFT of phi to get phi in x-y plane


When I compare my computational result with analytical result, they do not match.
Can anybody help me in understanding the reason and finding the right way to solve Poisson's equation using DFTs.

thanks
 

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