# Gaussian Summation

1. Jun 1, 2010

### mfengwang

Hi,
We know that the Gaussian integral is
$$\int_{-\infty}^{+\infty}e^{-\frac{x^2}{a^2}}dx=a\sqrt{\pi}$$
However, if the gaussian function is discrete in x, what is the result of
$$\sum_{n=0}^{+\infty}e^{-\frac{n^2}{a}} = \\?$$
where n is natural number, that is n=0,1,2,3.............

Last edited: Jun 1, 2010
2. Jun 1, 2010

### Mute

I checked Wolfram alpha; it gives the result as

$$\frac{1 + \vartheta_3(0,e^{-1/a})}{2},$$

where $\vartheta_b(x,q)$ is a theta function. Looking up the definition of the theta function on mathworld reveals that the result is pretty much by definition:

$$\vartheta_3(z,q) = \sum_{n=-\infty}^\infty q^{n^2} e^{2\pi i z}$$

Rearrangement and plugging in z = 0, q = e^(-1/a) gives the result, although it's not very enlightening. The theta function is a special function that should be available in mathematica and perhaps matlab.

I'm not sure if, setting a = 1 for example, there is a way to compute the resulting value without reference to the theta function.

3. Jun 1, 2010

### mfengwang

Thanks a lot! It's really a great help to me.