Integrate translated gaussian function by change of variable

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the integration of a transformed Gaussian function, specifically the integral \(\int_0^∞ re^{-\frac{1}{2σ^2} (r-iσ^2q)^2} \, dr\). Participants explore the implications of changing the variable and the resulting limits of integration, as well as the application of the Gaussian integral formula.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant proposes changing the variable \(r\) to \(t\) using the relation \(r-iσ^2q=t\), leading to a new integral form.
  • Another participant challenges the limits of integration, asserting that the correct transformation should account for the path in the complex plane, specifically stating it becomes \(\int_{-iσ^2q}^{∞-iσ^2q} (t+iσ^2q)e^{-\frac{1}{2σ^2} t^2} \, dt\).
  • A later reply expresses confusion about the transformation and suggests a potential simplification involving the integral over a different contour.
  • Participants discuss the implications of integrating around poles in the complex plane, indicating a need for further consideration of contour integration techniques.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the correct limits of integration or the validity of the transformations applied. Multiple competing views remain regarding the approach to the integral and the interpretation of the limits.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights uncertainties regarding the application of the Gaussian integral formula and the handling of complex variables. There are unresolved questions about the correct interpretation of the limits and the implications of contour integration.

cozycoz
I want to integrate this:\int_0^∞ re^{-\frac{1}{2σ^2} (r-iσ^2q)^2} \, dr.
If I change the variable r into t with this relation:r-iσ^2q=t,
then the integral becomes\int_{-iσ^2q}^∞ (t+iσ^2q)e^{-\frac{1}{2σ^2} t^2} \, dt
so it seems I cannot use the famous gaussian integral formula. But I got the correct result for the imaginary part of this problem with just ignoring the lower limit(actually I just forgot to rearrange upper and lower limits but anyway):iσ^2q\int_{0}^{∞} e^{-\frac{1}{2σ^2} t^2}\,dt= \frac{iσ^2q}{2} \int_{-∞}^∞ e^{-\frac{1}{2σ^2}t^2} \, dt =\frac{iσ^2q}{2}\sqrt{2σ^2π} So why are they the same: the integration over the interval {##[-iσ^2q, 0]+[0, ∞]##} and ##[0, ∞]##?
 
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cozycoz said:
then the integral becomes\int_{-iσ^2q}^∞ (t+iσ^2q)e^{-\frac{1}{2σ^2} t^2} \, dt
No, it becomes \int_{-iσ^2q}^{∞-iσ^2q} (t+iσ^2q)e^{-\frac{1}{2σ^2} t^2} \, dt, where the integral is understood to be along the straight line ##t=x-iσ^2q##.
 
haruspex said:
No, it becomes \int_{-iσ^2q}^{∞-iσ^2q} (t+iσ^2q)e^{-\frac{1}{2σ^2} t^2} \, dt, where the integral is understood to be along the straight line ##t=x-iσ^2q##.
Yes, that's what my mentor noted on my homework, but I don't get it..
Could you tellme how you think about my explanation below?
Maybe I could write it as

\int_{-iσ^2q}^{∞-iσ^2q}e^{-\frac{1}{2σ^2} t^2} \, dt
=<span style="font-size: 16px">\frac{1}{2} \int_{-∞-iσ^2q}^{∞-iσ^2q} e^{-\frac{1}{2σ^2}t^2} \, dt </span>
≅\frac{1}{2} \int_{-∞}^{∞} e^{-\frac{1}{2σ^2}t^2} \, dt.

Sorry I don't know what the heck is wrong with the second code...Hope you recognize the limits:(
 
cozycoz said:
Maybe I could write it as
I do not understand how you got that form.
Perhaps you should consider integrals around different contours. What do you know about integrals around poles in the complex plane?
 

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