Undergrad Imaginary sinusoidal exponential

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the mathematical relationship between complex exponentials and trigonometric functions, specifically examining the equation exp(ikr cos θ) = sin(kr)/(kr). Participants reference the Euler formula e^{iφ} = cos φ + i sin φ to clarify misconceptions about the nature of complex and real functions. The conversation highlights a calculation from Matthew Schwartz's 'Introduction to Quantum Field Theory' regarding the integral of e^{ikr cos θ, leading to the conclusion that the expression sin(kr)/(kr) arises from the properties of even functions in integration.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of complex exponentials and trigonometric identities
  • Familiarity with the Euler formula for complex numbers
  • Basic knowledge of integral calculus, particularly with trigonometric integrals
  • Exposure to quantum field theory concepts, specifically from Matthew Schwartz's work
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of the Euler formula in detail
  • Explore the properties of even and odd functions in calculus
  • Investigate the applications of sin(kr)/(kr) in physics, particularly in wave mechanics
  • Read Matthew Schwartz's 'Introduction to Quantum Field Theory' for deeper insights into related integrals
USEFUL FOR

Mathematicians, physicists, and students of quantum field theory who are looking to deepen their understanding of the relationships between complex exponentials and trigonometric functions.

spaghetti3451
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I need to convince myself that

##e^{ikr\text{cos}\ \theta}=\frac{\text{sin}\ \theta}{kr}##.

Could you please help me with it?
 
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Cannot be true, the left side is complex whereas the right side is real.
 
Sorry, there was a typo.

How about this one:

##\text{exp}({ikr\text{cos}\ \theta}) = \frac{\text{exp}(ikr)-\text{exp}(-ikr)}{2ikr}##?
 
What do you know about the Euler formula for a complex exponential ##e^{i\phi}##?
 
The Euler formula is ##e^{i\phi}= \text{cos}\ \phi + \text{sin}\ \phi##.

I don't see how ##\text{exp}(ikr\text{cos}\ \theta) = \frac{\text{sin}(kr)}{kr}##.
 
failexam said:
The Euler formula is ##e^{i\phi}= \text{cos}\ \phi + \text{sin}\ \phi##.
It's ##e^{i\phi}= \text{cos}\ \phi + i\text{sin}\ \phi##.
failexam said:
I don't see how ##\text{exp}(ikr\text{cos}\ \theta) = \frac{\text{sin}(kr)}{kr}##.
Indeed, I too, do not see how that can be true.
 
The following is taken from page 39 of Matthew Schwartz's 'Introduction to Quantum Field Theory.' My above posts refer to the third and fourth lines of the following calculation:

Capture.jpg
a

Would you please have a look and let me know what I'm missing in the previous posts?
 
$$\int_{-1}^1 d(\cos \theta) e^{ikr\cos \theta} = \frac{1}{ikr}e^{ikr\cos \theta}\Big|_{-1}^1 = \frac{e^{ikr}-e^{-ikr}}{ikr}$$
Then in the third line you have ##\frac{\sin kr}{k}## as the integrand to be integrated from 0 to infiinity. The function ##\frac{\sin kr}{k}## is an even function, thus
$$
\int_0^\infty \frac{\sin kr}{k} \, dk = \frac{1}{2} \int_{-\infty}^\infty \frac{\sin kr}{k} \, dk
$$
 
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Thanks! I feel like a total idiot now! :frown:
 

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