Integral from 0 to ∞ with singularity at x=0

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around evaluating the integral \(\int_0^{\infty} \frac{1}{x} \exp(i \frac{k}{x}(a-c \cos(\theta + wx))) dx\), which presents challenges due to a singularity at \(x=0\). Participants explore various methods for handling the integral, including contour integration and series expansion.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant describes their attempts to evaluate the integral using contour integration and a Taylor series expansion of the exponential function.
  • They express success with the even terms of the series but uncertainty regarding the odd terms.
  • Another participant questions whether the integration is over the real axis, to which it is confirmed that \(x\) is indeed real.
  • There is a suggestion that one of the integrals might relate to the gamma function, although this is not elaborated upon.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the nature of the integral and the challenges it presents, but there is no consensus on the best approach to evaluate it, particularly regarding the treatment of odd terms and the potential connection to the gamma function.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights the complexity of handling singularities in integrals and the dependence on the behavior of the integrand as \(x\) approaches zero and infinity. Specific mathematical steps and assumptions remain unresolved.

RedSonja
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Here's an integral that is currently giving me grey hairs:

[itex]\int_0^{\infty} \frac{1}{x} \exp(i \frac{k}{x}(a-c \cos(\theta + wx))) dx[/itex]

I've tried different approaches like contour integration around [itex]x=0[/itex] and replacing the exponential by its Taylor sum to have:

[itex]\int_0^{\infty} \sum_{n=0}^{\infty} \frac{1}{x^{n+1}\;n!} (i k (a-c \cos(\theta + wx)))^n dx[/itex]

I can do the integrals of the even terms by [itex]\int_0^{\infty} = \frac{1}{2}\int_{-\infty}^{\infty}[/itex] and residues, but I don't know how to handle the odd terms.

Going to sum-extremes I've rewritten the integral to a form where I only need to do integrals of the type

[itex]\int_0^{\infty} \frac{1}{x^{n+1}} e^{imwx} dx[/itex]

with m a positive or negative integer, but even here I'm stuck. Please help!
 
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Maybe this is a stupid question, but is the integration over the real axis?
 
rollingstein said:
Maybe this is a stupid question, but is the integration over the real axis?

Yes, x is real. But since the integrand goes to zero for [itex]x\rightarrow \infty[/itex] the direction of integration in the complex plane shouldn't alter the integral...
 
Hmm.
Is it possible that the latter of the three integrals is simply the gamma-function?
 

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