How Does the Integral of exp(-x^2*k+i*m*x) Behave as m Increases?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the behavior of the integral of the function exp(-x^2*k + i*m*x) as the parameter m increases. Participants explore the mathematical properties of this integral, including its evaluation and implications in the context of complex error functions and asymptotic behavior.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents the integral \int ^{5}_{0} \left cos(m*x)e^{- \frac{x^{2}}{a^{2}}} \right dx as a starting point for discussion.
  • Another participant suggests rewriting the integrand as a combination of exponential functions and proposes completing the squares in the exponents to facilitate further analysis.
  • A participant raises a question about integrating exp(-x^2*k + i*m*x) over a defined interval, noting that Mathcad provides a solution involving the complex error function, which becomes challenging to define as m increases.
  • It is mentioned that the primitive function of exp(-x^2) is not elementary and can only be expressed in terms of the error function, which requires numerical approximation.
  • One participant references the Riemann-Lebesgue lemma, suggesting that the integral tends to zero as m becomes large, indicating a potential asymptotic behavior.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express various viewpoints on the behavior of the integral as m increases, with some suggesting it approaches zero while others focus on the complexities of the integral's evaluation. There is no consensus on the implications of these observations.

Contextual Notes

Participants note limitations related to the definitions of the complex error function and the behavior of the integral at large m, as well as the non-elementary nature of the primitive function of exp(-x^2).

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to those studying complex analysis, integral calculus, or asymptotic behavior in mathematical physics.

ersanjaynp
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\int ^{5}_{0} \left cos(m*x)e^{- \frac{x^{2}}{a^{2}}} \right dx
 
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Well, you can first the integrand as:
\frac{1}{2}(e^{mix-\frac{x^{2}}{a^{2}}}+e^{-imx-\frac{x^{2}}{a^{2}}}), i=\sqrt{-1}
Complete the squares in the exponents to proceed a bit further.
 
arildno said:
Well, you can first the integrand as:
\frac{1}{2}(e^{mix-\frac{x^{2}}{a^{2}}}+e^{-imx-\frac{x^{2}}{a^{2}}}), i=\sqrt{-1}
Complete the squares in the exponents to proceed a bit further.


how to integrate the first part only i.e. exp(-x^2*k+i*m*x) for some defined limits, say 0 to b. Mathcad goves solution in the form of complex error function that is difficult to define as erfi (m) when m is large can't be defined (infinite)..but the function has zero values at higher m...
 
Last edited:
ersanjaynp said:
how to integrate the first part only i.e. exp(-x^2*k+i*m*x) for some defined limits, say 0 to b. Mathcad goves solution in the form of complex error function that is difficult to define as erfi (m) when m is large can't be defined (infinite)..but the function has zero values at higher m...

The primitive function of exp{-x^2} is not elementary, therefore cannot be expressed in simpler terms than the error function which is numerically approximated.

As for the values of the integral as m tends to large numbers, this is an instance of the Riemann-lebesgue lemma, which generally says that for any smooth function f(t) the integral \int_{interval}cos(wt)f(t)dt will tend to zero as w tends to infinity
 

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