Is this analytically solvable?

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SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on solving complex integrals involving Gaussian wave packets and delta potentials, specifically the integrals of the form: ## \int_{-\infty}^{\infty} \frac{k}{k-1} e^{itk^2}e^{ikx}e^{-(k-k_0)^2/\alpha^2} dk ## and ## \int_{-\infty}^{\infty} \frac{1}{k-1} e^{itk^2}e^{ikx}e^{-(k-k_0)^2/\alpha^2} dk ##. The user is attempting to create an animation in Mathematica but encounters convergence issues with the integrals. They have successfully solved parts of the integral using techniques like completing the square but seek further guidance on handling the fractions. The discussion suggests leveraging the convolution theorem and Fourier transforms to simplify the problem.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Fourier transforms, particularly in Mathematica.
  • Knowledge of Gaussian wave packets and their mathematical representation.
  • Familiarity with delta potentials in quantum mechanics.
  • Experience with numerical integration techniques in Mathematica, such as NIntegrate.
NEXT STEPS
  • Explore the use of Mathematica's FourierTransform function for complex integrals.
  • Research the convolution theorem and its applications in solving integrals.
  • Study advanced techniques for handling integrals with singularities, particularly in quantum mechanics.
  • Investigate methods for ensuring convergence in numerical integration, especially with oscillatory functions.
USEFUL FOR

Physicists, mathematicians, and computational scientists working on quantum mechanics problems, particularly those involving wave packets and potential barriers. This discussion is also beneficial for anyone using Mathematica for complex integral calculations.

Poirot
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Homework Statement


I am trying to solve integrals of the form:
## \int_{-\infty}^{\infty} \frac{k}{k-1} e^{itk^2}e^{ikx}e^{-(k-k_0)^2/\alpha^2} dk \\
\int_{-\infty}^{\infty} \frac{1}{k-1} e^{itk^2}e^{ikx}e^{-(k-k_0)^2/\alpha^2} dk ##

A bit of background:
I'm trying to create an animation in Mathematica to show a gaussian wave packet passing through a delta potential. The fractions at the start of the integrals come from the transmission and reflection coeffecients such that
##\phi_k(x) = \left\{
\begin{array}{ll}
e^{ikx} + R_k e^{-ikx} & \quad x < 0 \\
T_k e^{ikx} & \quad x > 0
\end{array}
\right.##
so Rk and Tk are the fractions at the start then we multiply the phi(x) by a time dependent part and then the gaussian part and integrate for the linear superposition.

Homework Equations


The overall integral is
##\int_{-\infty}^{\infty} \phi_k(x) e^{-(k-k_0)^2/\alpha^2} e^{-i\hbar k^2 t/2m} dk \\
R_k =\frac{1}{\frac{\hbar^2ik}{sm} -1} \\
T_k =\frac{1}{1-\frac{sm}{\hbar^2ik}} ##

where s is the strength of the delta potential such that:

##
V(x) = s\delta(x) ##
and I've set virtually every constant to 1 (except k0 and alpha which I plan to toggle once I get something).
3. The Attempt at a Solution
I'm told these integrals should be possible analytically but I can't see how. I've also tried using mathematica to compute it but it's having trouble with the function not converging on the interval. I've tried using NIntegrate too but I think the fact there's factors of x and t in the integrand is causing issues when trying to get a numerical approximation.

It might be worth mentioning that I've managed to solve the integral for the the e^(ikx) part for x<0 using completing the square but I can't see how to do it with the fraction.

Any help or guidance would be greatly appreciated thank you!
 
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It seems that Mathematica can calculate
FourierTransform[ Exp[I t k^2] Exp[-(k - k0)^2/\[Alpha]^2] , k, x]
and
FourierTransform[k/(k - 1) , k, x]
but it chokes on the whole thing.
Maybe you can do something with the convolution theorem to combine them?
 
Poirot said:

Homework Statement


I am trying to solve integrals of the form:
## \int_{-\infty}^{\infty} \frac{k}{k-1} e^{itk^2}e^{ikx}e^{-(k-k_0)^2/\alpha^2} dk \\
\int_{-\infty}^{\infty} \frac{1}{k-1} e^{itk^2}e^{ikx}e^{-(k-k_0)^2/\alpha^2} dk ##

3. The Attempt at a Solution
I'm told these integrals should be possible analytically but I can't see how. I've also tried using mathematica to compute it but it's having trouble with the function not converging on the interval. I've tried using NIntegrate too but I think the fact there's factors of x and t in the integrand is causing issues when trying to get a numerical approximation.

It might be worth mentioning that I've managed to solve the integral for the the e^(ikx) part for x<0 using completing the square but I can't see how to do it with the fraction.

Any help or guidance would be greatly appreciated thank you!

Let ##f(k) = \exp(i t k^2 + i x k - (k-k_0)^2/ \alpha^2)##. If you can get ##\int_{\mathbb{R}} f(k) \, dk## and ##\int_{\mathbb{R}} k f /(k-1) \, dk##, then you an get ##\int_{\mathbb{R}} f/(k-1) \, dk## because ##1/(k-1) = (1-k + k)/(k-1) = k/(k-1) - 1.##
 
Last edited:

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