How to Compute Inverse Fourier Transform for a Specific Function

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around computing the Inverse Fourier Transform of a specific function involving exponential terms. Participants explore the mathematical formulation and implications of constants within the integral, focusing on the conditions necessary for the transform to be valid.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents the function \(\frac{\alpha}{2\pi}\exp\left(\frac{1}{2} \alpha^2 C^2(K) \tau \omega^2\right)\) and seeks assistance in computing its Inverse Fourier Transform.
  • Another participant suggests that the inverse Fourier transform of a related function \(\frac{\alpha}{2\pi}\exp(A \omega^2)\) results in \(\frac{\alpha}{2\pi}\frac{1}{\sqrt{-2 A}}\exp\left(\frac{t^2}{4A}\right)\), noting that \(A < 0\) is necessary.
  • A subsequent post reiterates the same result, emphasizing the condition \(A < 0\).
  • One participant proposes a variable transformation to simplify the integral, suggesting it can be related to a standard integral form.
  • The original poster corrects their initial function to \(\frac{\alpha^2}{2\pi}\exp\left(-\frac{1}{2} \alpha^2 C^2(K) \tau \omega^2\right)\), questioning the significance of the changes made.
  • Another participant responds that the adjustments merely require replacing \(A\) with \(-A\) in previous responses, reiterating the condition that \(A < 0\) leads to \(A > 0\) when transformed.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the mathematical transformations needed but do not reach a consensus on the implications of the changes made to the original function. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the significance of the adjustments to the function.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty about the impact of the changes made to the original function, particularly regarding the constants involved and their implications for the inverse Fourier transform.

mathy_girl
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Hi all,

I'm having a bit trouble computing the Inverse Fourier Transform of the following:

\frac{\alpha}{2\pi}\exp\left(\frac{1}{2} \alpha^2 C^2(K) \tau \omega^2\right)

Here, C^2(K), \alpha and \tau can be assumed to be constant. Hence, we have an integral with respect to \omega.

Who can help me out?
 
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So you want to find the inverse Fourier transform of
\frac{\alpha}{2\pi}\exp(A \omega^2)?

It should be:

\frac{\alpha}{2\pi}\frac{1}{\sqrt{-2 A}}\exp\left(\frac{t^2}{4A}\right)
 
jpreed said:
So you want to find the inverse Fourier transform of
\frac{\alpha}{2\pi}\exp(A \omega^2)?

It should be:

\frac{\alpha}{2\pi}\frac{1}{\sqrt{-2 A}}\exp\left(\frac{t^2}{4A}\right)

A < 0 is necessary.
 
One can do a suitable variable transform to get the integral in the form


∫e-x2 dx
with limits -∞ to +∞


which can be looked up in a standard table of integrals. I suspect the answer is what jpreed gave in post #2.
 
Whoops.. I just figured that there are two small mistakes in my first post, I would like to have the Inverse Fourier Transform of:
\frac{\alpha^2}{2\pi}\exp\left(-\frac{1}{2} \alpha^2 C^2(K) \tau \omega^2\right)

Here, note that \alpha is squared, and a minus sign is added in the argument of exp.

Don't know if that makes a lot of difference?
 
Not really. Just replace A with -A in all the responses.

mathman said:
A < 0 is necessary.

That would become

-A < 0​
or in other words
A > 0​
 

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