Help required integrating this function over all time

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the integration of a function related to the probability of two-photon interference at a beamsplitter. Participants are exploring the mathematical challenges involved in evaluating a specific integral over all time, which includes complex exponential functions and conditions based on the variable "t".

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents an integral that needs to be evaluated, expressing uncertainty about how to handle the absolute value terms in the expected function.
  • Another participant suggests that the integral may need to be split into several contributions based on conditions on "t".
  • A later reply indicates a potential correction to the mathematical expressions provided, specifically regarding the inclusion of "t" in the exponentials of the functions \(\zeta_1(t)\) and \(\zeta_2(t)\).
  • One participant expresses frustration at the lack of responses and seeks further assistance.
  • Another participant downplays the difficulty of the problem, suggesting it is merely a mathematical issue.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not appear to reach a consensus on the best approach to evaluate the integral, and there are differing views on the complexity of the problem. Some express uncertainty while others provide corrections or alternative perspectives.

Contextual Notes

The discussion includes unresolved mathematical steps and assumptions regarding the conditions under which the functions \(\zeta_1(t)\) and \(\zeta_2(t)\) are defined. The implications of these conditions on the integral's evaluation remain unclear.

Baggio
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Hello,

I am trying to derive a function which describes the probability of two-photons interfering at a beamsplitter however I'm stuck on this particular integral. I need to solve:

[tex]P(\tau,\delta\tau,\Delta)=\frac{1}{4}\int|\zeta_{1}(t+\tau)\zeta_{2}(t)-\zeta_{1}(t)\zeta_{2}(t+\tau)|^2dt[/tex]

The integral is over all t, i.e. t = -infinity to t = infinity

Where |...|^2 means the terms inside are multiplied by it's complex conjugate, and

[tex] \[<br /> \begin{array}{l}<br /> \zeta _1 (t) = \sqrt[4]{{\frac{2}{\pi }}}\exp ( - (t - \delta \tau /2) - i(\omega - \Delta /2)){\rm{ }}\forall {\rm{ }}t - \delta \tau /2 > 0 \\ <br /> \zeta _1 (t) = 0{\rm{ }}\forall {\rm{ }}t - \delta \tau /2 < 0 \\ <br /> \zeta _2 (t) = \sqrt[4]{{\frac{2}{\pi }}}\exp ( - (t + \delta \tau /2) - i(\omega + \Delta /2)){\rm{ }}\forall {\rm{ }}t + \delta \tau /2 > 0 \\ <br /> \zeta _2 (t) = 0{\rm{ }}\forall {\rm{ }}t + \delta \tau /2 < 0 \\ <br /> \end{array}<br /> \][/tex]

Here [tex]\tau, \delta\tau, \omega, \Delta[/tex] and t are real

The function that I expect to derive is:

[tex] \[<br /> P(\tau ,\delta \tau ,\Delta ) = \frac{1}{2}\exp \left( { - 2\left| {\delta \tau - \tau } \right|} \right) + \frac{1}{2}\exp \left( { - 2\left| {\delta \tau + \tau } \right|} \right) - \cos \left( {\left| \tau \right|\Delta } \right)\frac{1}{2}\exp \left( { - 2\left| {\delta \tau } \right| + \left| \tau \right|} \right)<br /> \][/tex]

|...| denotes absolute value.

In the integral above would I have to split it up into several contributions depending on which condition on "t" is satisfied. Also I don't see how integrating this function could lead to the absolute value terms in function P.

If anyone could offer any help at all I'd be very greatful... My research is stagnent because of this!

Thanks
 
Last edited:
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anyone? :/
 
I'd have to consult my physics professor D=
 
hehe, i don't think it should be that difficult btw in the eqs above it should be

[tex] <br /> \[<br /> \begin{array}{l}<br /> \zeta _1 (t) = \sqrt[4]{{\frac{2}{\pi }}}\exp ( - (t - \delta \tau /2) - i(\omega - \Delta /2)t){\rm{ }}\forall {\rm{ }}t - \delta \tau /2 > 0 \\ <br /> \zeta _1 (t) = 0{\rm{ }}\forall {\rm{ }}t - \delta \tau /2 < 0 \\ <br /> \zeta _2 (t) = \sqrt[4]{{\frac{2}{\pi }}}\exp ( - (t + \delta \tau /2) - i(\omega + \Delta /2)t){\rm{ }}\forall {\rm{ }}t + \delta \tau /2 > 0 \\ <br /> \zeta _2 (t) = 0{\rm{ }}\forall {\rm{ }}t + \delta \tau /2 < 0 \\ <br /> \end{array}<br /> \]<br /> [/tex]

it's just math :/
 
bump..
 

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