Integrate problem with undefined constant

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around calculating the integral of the expression Exp[-I a *y] Exp[I*Sin[y]] Exp[-y*Sign[y]] over the range from negative to positive infinity, where "a" is a constant. The user notes that Mathematica returns the same expression rather than a simplified result, indicating that the integral likely lacks a closed form in terms of standard special functions. To work around this, a numerical integration approach using NIntegrate is suggested, along with memoization for efficiency. The user is encouraged to plot the integral for visualization and to share any findings if a closed form is discovered later.
sukharef
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Hello!

I'm trying to calculate this integral:

Integrate [Exp[-I a *y] Exp[I*Sin[y]] Exp[-y*Sign[y]], {y, -Infinity, Infinity}] , where "a" - constant that i'll define later.

So the result of the calculation acсording to Mathematica is the same expression : Exp[-I a *y] Exp[I*Sin[y]] Exp[-y*Sign[y]].

What can i do to calculate my integral without defining my constant "a" and using NIntagrate?

Thank you in advance.
 
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I doubt that Mma returns the integrand - it probably returns an unevaluated integral, no matter what choice you make for the constant a. The integral probably does not have a nice closed form in terms of any common or existing special functions.

Mma doesn't even evaluate the "simpler" integral Exp[I*Sin[y] - y^2].

If you just need to use this result just define the numerical integral (with memoization)

int[a_?NumericQ] := int[a] = NIntegrate[Exp[-I a*y] Exp[I*Sin[y]] Exp[-y*Sign[y]], {y, -Infinity, Infinity}]//Chop

It's a little slow... but you can get a reasonable plot of the integral

Plot[int[x], {x, -10, 10}, PlotPoints -> 15, MaxRecursion -> 3, PlotRange -> All]
attachment.php?attachmentid=37617&stc=1&d=1311986079.png
 

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Thank you so much for answer!
 
Not a problem. I hope it was useful.
If you do find a closed form to that integral - don't forget to post it here!
 

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