Fourier Transforms - what's the constant?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the differing conventions for the constant used in Fourier Transforms (FT) and their inverses (IFT). One convention uses (1/2π) for the FT and 1 for the IFT, while another employs (1/√2∏) for both. The key takeaway is that as long as the product of the constants equals (1/2π), the specific choice of constant is inconsequential, unless interpreting Fourier coefficients in physical units such as power spectra. The preference for identical constants in both transforms enhances the similarity of their equations.

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Hi

At university, in a previous module the constant in front of the Fourier Transform was given as (1/2π), and the constant in front of the inverse F.T. was 1.

However in a current module the lectrurer gives the constant as (1/√2∏), for both the F.T. and its inverse. Why is this?

Thanks
 
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Different people use different conventions. So long as both factors multiplied together give (1/2π), it doesn't matter.

The specific convention only matters if you want to interpret the Fourier coefficients in physical units, e.g. as a power spectrum.

There is some logic to making both factors the same, because it makes the equations for the FT and IFT more similar.
 

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