Invert a 3D Fourier transform when dealing with 4-vectors

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the inversion of a 3D Fourier transform in the context of four-vectors, specifically addressing the presence of terms like ##e^{2i\omega t}## in the transformed equations. Participants explore the implications of applying Fourier transforms to the given equations and clarify the roles of variables involved.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions the origin of the ##e^{2i\omega t}## term in the equations after applying the Fourier transform, noting that their own result does not include this term.
  • Another participant suggests that expanding the expression reveals how the ##e^{2i\omega t}## term arises when considering the time dependence of the components in the Fourier transform.
  • A participant raises a question about the positive and negative signs in Fourier transforms, wondering if applying ##\int d^3x e^{ikx}## would also serve as an inversion of the transform.
  • One participant acknowledges a misunderstanding regarding the use of variable names, indicating that confusion over the integration variable led to their miscalculation.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the origin of the ##e^{2i\omega t}## term, and there is no consensus on the implications of the positive/negative signs in Fourier transforms. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the inversion process and the correct interpretation of the variables involved.

Contextual Notes

Participants note potential confusion arising from the use of similar variable names and the distinction between integration variables and parameters like ##\omega##. There are also unresolved aspects regarding the application of Fourier transforms and their effects on the equations presented.

AndrewGRQTF
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I am having trouble following a step in a book. So we are given that $$\varphi (x) = \int \frac {d^3k}{(2\pi)^3 2\omega} [a(\textbf{k})e^{ikx} + a^*(\textbf{k})e^{-ikx}] $$
where the k in the measure is the spatial (vector) part of the four-momentum k=(##\omega##,##\textbf{k}##) and the k in the exponentials is the four-momentum. Note that ##x = (t,\textbf{x})## and that ##kx## = ##k^\mu x_\mu = -\omega t + \textbf{k}\cdot \textbf{x} ##.

After applying ##\int d^3x e^{-ikx}## to both sides, my book says that we get
$$\int d^3x e^{-ikx} \varphi (x) = \frac{1}{2\omega} a(\textbf{k}) + \frac {1}{2\omega} e^{2i\omega t}a^*(-\textbf{k})$$
$$\int d^3x e^{-ikx} \frac {\partial}{\partial t}\varphi (x) = \frac{-i}{2} a(\textbf{k}) + \frac {i}{2} e^{2i\omega t}a^*(-\textbf{k})$$

My question is: where does the ##e^{2i\omega t}## on the right side of the last two equations come from? The result I get has no ##e^{2i\omega t}##.

Also, can someone tell me how the positive/negative signs work in Fourier transforms? Like, if I instead applied ##\int d^3x e^{ikx}## to both sides I would get rid of the integration on the right, so isn't that also inversion of the transform?
 
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Well, I think I can answer the first question. If I expand: [a(\vec{k})e^{ikx}+a^∗(\vec{k})e^{−ikx}], I get: [a(\vec{k})e^{i\vec{k}\cdot \vec{x}}e^{-i \omega t}+a^∗(\vec{k})e^{-i\vec{k}\cdot \vec{x}}e^{i \omega t}]. When I multiply this by e^{i \omega t}, the first term has no t dependence, and the second term has a factor of e^{2 i \omega t}.
 
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phyzguy said:
Well, I think I can answer the first question. If I expand: [a(\vec{k})e^{ikx}+a^∗(\vec{k})e^{−ikx}], I get: [a(\vec{k})e^{i\vec{k}\cdot \vec{x}}e^{-i \omega t}+a^∗(\vec{k})e^{-i\vec{k}\cdot \vec{x}}e^{i \omega t}]. When I multiply this by e^{i \omega t}, the first term has no t dependence, and the second term has a factor of e^{2 i \omega t}.

So when changing the dummy integration variable in the first equation, we change the ##\textbf{k}## to another variable but keep ##\omega## the same because it is not an integration variable?
 
phyzguy said:
Well, I think I can answer the first question. If I expand: [a(\vec{k})e^{ikx}+a^∗(\vec{k})e^{−ikx}], I get: [a(\vec{k})e^{i\vec{k}\cdot \vec{x}}e^{-i \omega t}+a^∗(\vec{k})e^{-i\vec{k}\cdot \vec{x}}e^{i \omega t}]. When I multiply this by e^{i \omega t}, the first term has no t dependence, and the second term has a factor of e^{2 i \omega t}.
I now understand my mistake. I was using the same letter for two things, and that was the source of my miscalculation.

Thank you.
 

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