Is There a Problem with This Complex Integral Evaluation?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the evaluation of the complex integral \(\int e^{-ix^{2}} \, dx\), focusing on the methods and potential issues related to its evaluation, particularly in the context of limits and the behavior of the error function. The scope includes mathematical reasoning and exploratory approaches to complex analysis.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions the validity of their evaluation of the integral, particularly regarding the limit as \(R\) approaches infinity and the path dependency of the error function at infinity.
  • The same participant proposes using an asymptotic expansion of the error function to evaluate the limit, seeking validation for this approach.
  • Another participant references the Fresnel integral and provides a relationship between the exponential function and trigonometric functions, suggesting an alternative perspective on the integral evaluation.
  • A subsequent post reiterates the reference to the Fresnel integral while expressing a desire to evaluate the integral without employing closed contours or the residue theorem.
  • Another participant suggests carrying out the integrals for the cosine and sine components from 0 to \(T\) and then letting \(T\) approach infinity, indicating a different method for evaluation.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the evaluation methods for the integral, with no consensus on the best approach or the validity of the proposed methods. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the implications of path dependency and the use of asymptotic expansions.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations regarding the assumptions made about the behavior of the error function at infinity and the dependence on the chosen path for the limit. The discussion does not resolve these aspects.

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Is there a problem with the following evaluation?[itex]\displaystyle \int e^{-ix^{2}} \ dx = \frac{1}{\sqrt{i}} \int e^{-u^{2}} \ du = \left( \frac{1}{\sqrt{2}} - i \frac{1}{\sqrt{2}} \right) \text{erf}(u) + C = \left(\frac{1}{\sqrt{2}} - i \frac{1}{\sqrt{2}} \right) \text{erf} (\sqrt{i}x) + C[/itex] So [itex]\displaystyle \int_{0}^{\infty} e^{-ix^{2}} \ dx = \left(\frac{1}{\sqrt{2}} - i \frac{1}{\sqrt{2}} \right) \text{erf} (\sqrt{i}x) \Big|^{\infty}_{0} = \left(\frac{1}{\sqrt{2}} - i \frac{1}{\sqrt{2}} \right) \text{erf} (\sqrt{i} \infty)[/itex]

or more precisely [itex]\displaystyle \left(\frac{1}{\sqrt{2}} - i \frac{1}{\sqrt{2}} \right) \lim_{R \to \infty} \text{erf} (\sqrt{i} R)[/itex]The error function has an essential singularity at [itex]\infty[/itex] , so the limit as you approach [itex]\infty[/itex] is path dependent. But aren't we looking specifically for the limit as we approach [itex]\infty[/itex] on the line that originates at the origin and makes a 45 degree angle with the positive real axis?

So my idea was to use asymptotic expansion of the error function ([itex]\displaystyle 1 - e^{-x^{2}} O \left( \frac{1}{x} \right)[/itex]), replace [itex]x[/itex] with [itex]\sqrt{i} R[/itex], and take the limit as [itex]R[/itex] goes to [itex]\infty[/itex]. Is that valid?
 
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mathman said:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fresnel_integral

exp(-ix2) = cos(x2) - isin(x2).

Above reference discusses the integrals as well as the integral from 0 to infinity.
I want to evaluate the integral without using a closed contour and the residue theorem.
 
You can carry out the integrals for the cos and sin from 0 to T and let T -> ∞.
 

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