How to find the second derivitive of delta function?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the mathematical treatment of the second derivative of the Dirac delta function, particularly in the context of complex variables. Participants explore definitions, methods of differentiation, and the implications of extending the delta function to complex parameters.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about the method to find the second derivative of the Dirac delta function.
  • Another participant presents a formula involving differentiation of the delta function, suggesting a specific approach for the second derivative.
  • Questions arise regarding the treatment of the delta function when the variable is complex, with one participant expressing uncertainty about the existence of a well-defined complex delta function.
  • A participant seeks clarification on how to differentiate a delta function with respect to the complex conjugate of a complex variable.
  • A definition of the derivative of the delta function is provided, along with a suggestion to use integration by parts as a method for differentiation.
  • A reference to a book discussing the complex delta function is shared, indicating that there may be literature on the topic.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the treatment of the delta function in complex analysis, with some uncertainty about the definitions and methods applicable to complex variables. No consensus is reached regarding the existence or properties of a complex delta function.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the lack of clarity on the definition of a complex delta function and the uncertainty surrounding its derivatives, particularly with respect to complex conjugates. The discussion does not resolve these issues.

KFC
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how to find the second derivative of delta function?
 
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let f=the dirac delta
D=differentiation
[D^n]f=[n!(-1/x)^n]f
or
{[D^n]-[n!(-1/x)^n]}f=0
if n=2
[D^2]f=[n!(-1/x)^2]f
 
Thanks. It helps. What about if x is complex?
 
KFC said:
Thanks. It helps. What about if x is complex?

It is not possible to formulate a consistent general theory for that. What specifically did you want to do?
 
I want to know how to carry out first derivitative of a delta function with parameter is complex. For example, [tex]\delta(z)[/tex], where [tex]z=x+iy[/tex]

how to carray out [tex]\frac{d\delta(z)}{dz^*}[/tex] where [tex]z^*[/tex] mean the conjugate of z
 
The definition of the derivative of the delta function is

[tex]\int dx~\delta^{(n)}(x-y)f(x) = (-1)^n f^{(n)}(y)[/tex]

Formally, you integrate by parts to get

[tex]\int dx \delta^{(n)}(x-y)f(x) = (-1)^{n}\int dx \delta(x-y) f^{(n)}(x)[/tex].

If it's at all possible to generalize this to the case you want, you should start with a method like this. I haven't run into a complex delta function, though, so I don't know if such as thing is well defined, let alone it's derivative (and especially its derivative with respect to the complex congugate).

This book seems to discuss the complex delta function:

http://books.google.com/books?id=Z2...X&oi=book_result&resnum=6&ct=result#PPA131,M1
 
Last edited:

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