Inverse Fourier Transform of f(k): Yes

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the inverse Fourier transform of a function f(k) represented by a power series expansion, specifically f(k) = Σ a_i k^i. It is established that the inverse Fourier transform of such functions exists within the realm of distribution theory, particularly involving the Dirac delta function. The inverse Fourier transform is expressed as F(x) = Σ (-i)^n a_n δ^n(x), where δ^n(x) denotes the n-th derivative of the Dirac delta function. Caution is advised against dividing or multiplying Dirac functions, as these operations are not defined.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Fourier transforms and their properties
  • Familiarity with power series expansions
  • Knowledge of distribution theory and the Dirac delta function
  • Concept of square summable functions in functional analysis
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the properties of the Dirac delta function and its derivatives
  • Explore distribution theory and its applications in Fourier analysis
  • Learn about square integrable functions and their significance in Fourier transforms
  • Investigate the implications of multiplying and dividing distributions in mathematical analysis
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for mathematicians, physicists, and engineers involved in signal processing, particularly those working with Fourier transforms and distribution theory.

RedX
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Suppose a function f(k) has a power series expansion:

[tex]f(k)=\Sigma a_i k^i[/tex]

Is it possible to inverse Fourier transform any such function?

For example:

[tex]f(k)=\Sigma a_i k^{i+2}\frac{1}{k^2}[/tex]

Since g(k)=1/k^2 should have a well-defined inverse Fourier transform, and the inverse Fourier transform of k*g(k) -> dg(x)/dx [where g(x) is the inverse Fourier transform of g(k)], then inverse Fourier transform of f(k) is an infinite sum of the inverse Fourier transforms of g(k)=1/k^2 and its derivatives d^n[g(x)]/dx^n.
 
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RedX said:
Since g(k)=1/k^2 should have a well-defined inverse Fourier transform,
Woah there. If you want to talk about the Fourier transforms (inverse or otherwise) of polynomials, etc, you'll have to move into distribution theory and all that that entails. In the process, you'll lose the ability to simply multiply "functions" and your second equation will raise hairs all over the place when you come to apply it.

As to your first question, if I remember correctly, the "answer" to your question exists only in the realm of distributions. Specifically, I think your power series has the inverse Fourier transform
[tex] F(x)= \sum_n (-i)^n a_n \delta^n (x)[/tex]

Where [tex]\delta^n(x)[/tex] is the n^th derivative of the Dirac delta function. It's OK to write these as a function so long as you remember that they can never be evaluated; only integrated.

I'll finish by warning you to never, ever divide or multiply any dirac functions by other such. It's not a defined operation.
 
As long as your function is square summable (or square integrable) you can always take the Fourier inverse.
Vignon S. Oussa
 

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