How to Apply Fourier Transform to Green's Functions?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on applying the Fourier Transform to Green's Functions, specifically in the context of solving a one-dimensional equation involving the variable x. The equation presented is derived from the Fourier Transform of Green's Function, leading to a second-order differential equation. Participants emphasize the importance of boundary conditions and suggest using the Wronskian method or eigenfunction expansion for solutions, referencing authoritative texts such as "Mathematical Methods for Physicists" by Arfken and Weber and "Methods of Theoretical Physics" by Morse and Feshbach.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Fourier Transform techniques
  • Familiarity with Green's Functions in differential equations
  • Knowledge of boundary conditions in mathematical physics
  • Proficiency in solving second-order differential equations
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the properties of Green's Functions in detail
  • Learn about the Wronskian method for solving differential equations
  • Explore eigenfunction expansions and their applications
  • Review "Mathematical Methods for Physicists" by Arfken and Weber for advanced techniques
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Physicists, mathematicians, and engineering students who are working with differential equations and Green's Functions, particularly in the context of applied mathematics and theoretical physics.

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Homework Statement
Prove that the Green's function satisfying (1) subject to the boundary conditions (2) can be expressed in the form of (3).
Relevant Equations
\begin{equation}
\partial^2_x G + \partial^2_y G = \delta(x-x0) \delta(y-y0)
\end{equation}

\begin{equation}
G(0,y) = G(x,0) = G(x,b), G(x,y)< \infty
\end{equation}


\begin{gather}
y<y_0: G = -\frac{2}{\pi} \int_0^{\infty}
\frac{sin (k x_0) sin (kx) sinh(ky) sinh (k(b-y_0))}{k sinh (kb)} \\



y>y_0: G = -\frac{2}{\pi} \int_0^{\infty}
\frac{sin (k x_0) sin (kx) sinh(ky_0) sinh (k(b-y))}{k sinh (kb)}
\end{gather}
In order to obtain equation (3), I think I have to do the Fourier transform in the x direction:

\begin{equation}
\tilde{G}(k,y,x_0,y_0) = \int_{- \infty}^{\infty} G(x,y,x_0,y_0) e^{-i k x} dx
\end{equation}

So I have:

\begin{equation}
-k ^2 \tilde{G}(k,y,x_0,y_0) + \frac{\partial^2 \tilde{G}(k,y,x_0,y_0}{\partial y^2} = e^{-i k x_0} \delta (y-y_0)
\end{equation}

And then solve this one-dimensional equation for ##\tilde{G}##. I'm not sure doing this is correct, because the variable ##y## is delimited and ##x## is not.

In case this is right, do I have to demonstrate first any property? And finally, would it be correct to solve the 1D equation with the Wronskian method?

Thanks in advanced
 
Last edited:
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Try properties of Green's function. First consider case ##y<y_0##. In this case R.H.S is 0. Ditto for ##y>y_0##. Now Apply boundary conditions,fact that they are continuous at y=##y_0## and the first partial derivative is discontinuous at y=##y_0## with discontinuity equal to ##e^{ik(x-x_0)}## if you use (6). Alternatively,you can use eigenfunction expansion of Green's Function (See Arfken and Weber,Mathematical methods for physicist; Morse and Feshback ,Methods of Theoretical physics(The later is detailed but notations are bit outdated))
 

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