Is the Plane Wave Decomposition of a Vector Field Accurate?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the accuracy of plane wave decomposition in representing vector fields, specifically the vector potential A. It is established that decomposing A into plane wave components effectively describes an arbitrary vector field, but there are limitations regarding the convergence of Fourier series. Not all functions can be represented as converging Fourier series, indicating specific mathematical conditions must be met for accurate representation.

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  • Understanding of vector fields and vector potentials
  • Knowledge of Fourier series and their convergence properties
  • Familiarity with plane wave decomposition techniques
  • Basic principles of functional analysis
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Niles
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Hi

When we decompose e.g. the vector potential A into a sum of plane waves, then is it correct to say that we are describing an arbitrary vector field A, since we have decomposed it into its Fourier (= plane wave) components?Niles.
 
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I'm sure there are some restrictions- I don't think *all* functions can be written as a converging Fourier series. I don't know what the official rules are, tho.
 

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