Help with double integral of exp(ixy)

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the evaluation of the double integral of the function \( e^{ixy} \) over the entire real plane. Participants explore various methods of calculating this integral, including connections to the Fourier Transform and potential symmetry considerations.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks assistance in calculating the double integral \( \int\limits_{ - \infty }^\infty {\int\limits_{ - \infty }^\infty {e^{ixy} dxdy} \) and mentions its known value of \( 2\pi \), expressing a desire for an elegant calculation method.
  • Another participant suggests converting the integral to polar coordinates, proposing a transformation that may relate the integral to a Bessel function.
  • A different approach is presented, where a participant recommends changing the bounds to finite ranges and shows how this leads to a simpler integral involving \( \sin(u)/u \), indicating that the limit as the bounds approach infinity can yield the known result.
  • One participant expresses satisfaction with the information received, indicating they have resolved their query.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

The discussion includes multiple approaches to the problem, with no consensus on a single method being established as the definitive solution. Participants present differing techniques and insights without resolving which is the most effective.

Contextual Notes

Participants explore various mathematical transformations and limits, but the discussion does not fully resolve the assumptions or conditions under which these methods apply.

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Please help me with folllowing double integral


\int\limits_{ - \infty }^\infty {\int\limits_{ - \infty }^\infty {e^{ixy} dxdy = 2\pi}}

(x,y, real)

It came out analyzing the relation between DiracDelta and the Fourier Transform formula. (it's the reason why insert the constant 1/sqrt(2pi) in the Fourier transform formula to be consistent with the diracdelta definition).
I know that it's value is 2pi. But I'd like to see how to actually calculate it. (Possibly in some elegant way...)

There must be some tricky "magic" based on symmetry consideration to reduce the double integral to the length of a unit circle. But I can't find it.

Thanks
 
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You could try converting the integral to polar coordinates,

\int_{0}^{2\pi}d\varphi \int_0^{\infty}e^{i\frac{r^2}{2}\sin 2\varphi}rdr

then let z = r^2/2 and \theta = 2\varphi. Your angular integral should then look like a Bessel J function. http://www.math.sfu.ca/~cbm/aands/page_360.htm look at relation 9.1.21.
 
Last edited:
If you change the bounds to some finite range, say -a<x<a and -b<y<b, then it shouldn't be too hard to show that the integral reduces to:

2 \int_{-ab}^{ab} \frac{\sin(u)}{u} du

Then you can take the limit as a,b-> infinity. The improper integral of sin(x)/x is known to be pi, and the easiest way to derive this is probably using a laplace transform.
 
Thanks. I got it!
 

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