Inverse Fourier Transform of e^{-|\omega|\alpha}

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the inverse Fourier transform of the function F(ω) = e^{-|\omega|α}, where α is a positive constant. Participants are analyzing the steps involved in the transformation process and addressing potential errors in the integration approach.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss breaking the integral into two parts based on the absolute value of ω. There is a focus on the integration process and the handling of limits. Some participants question the correctness of signs in the integration results.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants providing feedback on each other's attempts. There is acknowledgment of a potential error regarding the sign in one of the integrals, and one participant expresses understanding after clarification.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working under the constraints of homework rules, which may limit the extent of guidance provided. The original poster's solution is noted, but the correctness of specific steps is under scrutiny.

PiRho31416
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[Solved] Inverse Fourier Transform

Homework Statement


If
F(\omega)=e^{-|\omega|\alpha}\,(\alpha>0),
determine the inverse Fourier transform of F(\omega). The answer is \frac{2\alpha}{x^{2}+\alpha^{2}}

Homework Equations


Inverse Fourier Transform is defined as:
f(x)=\int_{-\infty}^{\infty}F(\omega)e^{-i\omega x}\, d\omega

The Attempt at a Solution


So I broke up the equation into two different integrals.
F(\omega)=e^{-|\omega|\alpha}=\int_{-\infty}^{\infty}e^{-|\omega|\alpha}e^{-i\omega x}d\omega=\int_{-\infty}^{0}e^{\omega(\alpha-ix)}+\int_{0}^{\infty}e^{-\omega(\alpha+ix)}d\omega

\frac{e^{\omega(\alpha-ix)}}{\alpha-ix}\bigg|_{\omega=-\infty}^{\omega=0}+\frac{e^{-\omega(\alpha-ix)}}{\alpha-ix}\bigg|_{\omega=0}^{\omega=\infty}=\frac{1}{\alpha-ix}+\frac{1}{\alpha+ix}=\frac{\alpha+ix+\alpha-ix}{\alpha^{2}+x^{2}}=\frac{2\alpha}{\alpha^{2}+x^{2}}
 
Last edited:
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You got the sign of the second term wrong.
 
I don't see where the sign is wrong.

I broke it up the absolute value so it reads like follows:

f(\omega)=\begin{cases}<br /> e^{\omega\alpha} &amp; \mbox{if }\omega&lt;0\\<br /> e^{-\omega\alpha} &amp; \mbox{if }\omega&gt;0\end{cases}
 
I'm referring to the second integral. Once you integrated and before you plugged in the limits, you should have a minus sign in front of the second term.
 
Got it! Dang those minus signs :-P Thanks!
 

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