How can the integral \phi(x,t) be solved analytically?

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves evaluating the integral \(\phi(x,t) = \frac{1}{2\pi}\int_{-\infty}^{\infty} e^{i(xk - tk^2)} dk\) analytically. The context is within the realm of complex analysis and integral calculus.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to complete the square in the exponent and simplifies the integral, but expresses uncertainty about the next steps. Other participants discuss the implications of the imaginary unit \(i\) in the integral and suggest familiarity with standard integrals, particularly those involving Gaussian forms. One participant proposes a connection to Fresnel integrals and shares a potential result.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring different aspects of the integral. Some guidance has been offered regarding standard integral forms, but there is no explicit consensus on the approach or solution yet.

Contextual Notes

Participants are grappling with the presence of the imaginary unit in the integral, which complicates the evaluation. References to external resources indicate a search for deeper understanding and verification of methods.

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Homework Statement



[itex]\phi\left(x,t\right)=\frac{1}{2\pi}\int^{\infty}_{-\infty}e^\left(i\left(xk-tk^2\right)\right)dk[/itex]


Homework Equations


Solve for [itex]\phi[/itex] analytically


The Attempt at a Solution


completing the square of the exponent to give me

[itex]\phi\left(x,t\right)=\frac{1}{2\pi}\int^{\infty}_{-\infty}e^\left(-ti\left(k^2-\frac{x}{t}k + \frac{x^2}{4t^2} - \frac{x^2}{4t^2}\right)\right)dk[/itex]

Simplifying I get
[itex]\phi\left(x,t\right)=\frac{e^\frac{x^2}{4t}}{2\pi}\int^{\infty}_{-\infty}e^\left(-ti\left(k-\frac{x}{2t}\right)^2\right)dk[/itex]

From here I don't know

tried u substitution

[itex]u=k-\frac{x}{2t} , du=dk[/itex]
but this gets me nowhere
any help is appreciated
 
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hi autobot.d! :smile:

there's a standard way of solving ∫-∞ e-u2 du, which you need to be familiar with …

it's something like √π (i forget exactly :redface:)
 
The problem is that there is an i in there

[itex]\int^{\infty}_{-\infty}e^\left(-\mathbf{i} tu^2\right) du[/itex]

The i is what I am having the problem with.

Thanks for the help.
 
Last edited:
that wikipedia link mentions the contour integral proof

a detailed version is at http://planetmath.org/encyclopedia/FresnelFormulae.html" :wink:
 
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