Parseval's Relation w/ Fourier Transform

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around Parseval's Relation in the context of Fourier Transforms, specifically examining the integrals of the squared magnitudes of a function and its Fourier transform. The original poster presents a function, f(t) = e^{-a|t|}, and its Fourier transform, raising questions about discrepancies in the expected forms of these transforms and the integrals involved.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the evaluation of integrals related to Parseval's Theorem, questioning the forms of the Fourier transform and the integrals of squared magnitudes. There is a discussion on how to handle absolute values in integrals and the implications of different Fourier transform conventions.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the problem, offering hints and clarifications regarding the integrals and the application of Parseval's Theorem. There is recognition of differing conventions in Fourier transforms, and some participants are attempting to reconcile these differences with their calculations.

Contextual Notes

There are mentions of potential missing factors in the definitions of Fourier transforms and Parseval's Theorem, as well as the need to ensure that the function and its transform adhere to the correct conventions used in different fields, such as Physics and Electrical Engineering.

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Homework Statement



[PLAIN]http://img600.imageshack.us/img600/161/parcq.png

Homework Equations



Parseval's Theorem using FT's for this is [itex]∫^{\infty}_{-\infty}[/itex] [itex]|f(t)|^{2}[/itex]dx = [itex]∫^{\infty}_{-\infty}[/itex] [itex]|\tilde{f}(w)|^{2}[/itex]dw

The Attempt at a Solution



From what I know, the Fourier transform of f(t) = [itex]e^{-a|t|}[/itex] is [itex]\tilde{f} (w) = \frac{2a}{w^{2}+a^{2}}[/itex]

So for my answer I would simply evaluate [itex]∫^{\infty}_{-\infty}[/itex] [itex]|f(t)|^{2}[/itex]dx for f(t) = [itex]e^{-a|t|}[/itex]

However in the question there is no "2a" term on the top so I'm confused as how to proceed
[itex]|\tilde{f}(w)|^{2}[/itex] does not equal [itex]\frac{dw}{w^{2}+a^{2}}[/itex] as given in the question where [itex]\tilde{f} (w) = \frac{2a}{w^{2}+a^{2}}[/itex]
 
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So, you need to integrate:
[tex] \int_{-\infty}^{\infty}{e^{-2 a |t|} \, dt}[/tex]
Parseval's Theorem guarantees that this integral (provided that [itex]f(t) = e^{-a |t|}[/itex] is truly the inverse Fourier transform of [itex](\omega^2 + a^2)^{-1}[/itex]) is the same as the integral you are supposed to calculate.

Then, split the limits of integration so that you get rid of the absolute value sign and do the integrals. They are table.
 
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But the Fourier Transform of f(t) = [itex]e^{-a|t|}[/itex] is [itex]\tilde{f} (w) = \frac{2a}{w^{2}+2a^{2}}[/itex] and not [itex]\frac{1}{w^{2}+a^{2}}[/itex] so i don't understand how you can say [itex]∫^{\infty}_{-\infty}[/itex] [itex]|f(t)|^{2}[/itex]dx = [itex]∫^{\infty}_{-\infty}[/itex] [itex]|\tilde{f}(w)|^{2}[/itex]dw when [itex]|f(t)|^{2}[/itex] = [itex]e^{-2a|t|}[/itex] and [itex]|f(w)|^{2}[/itex] = [itex](\frac{2a}{w^{2}+a^{2}})^{2}[/itex]

Basically it says evaluate [itex]∫^{\infty}_{-\infty}[/itex] [itex]\frac{dw}{w^{2}+a^{2}}[/itex] and not [itex]∫^{\infty}_{-\infty}[/itex] [itex]\frac{2a}{w^{2}+a^{2}}[/itex]dw
 
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Can anyone shed some light on this?
 
Hint:
[tex]\frac{1}{\omega^2+a^2} = \frac{1}{2a}\left(\frac{2a}{\omega^2+a^2}\right)[/tex]
 
Hmm :S , so is it just as simple as evaluating [itex]\frac{1}{2a}∫^{\infty}_{-\infty}[/itex] [itex]e^{-2a|t|}[/itex]dt ?
 
no. Because you need [itex]|f(t)|^2[/itex] in the integral.
 
oops

[itex]∫^{\infty}_{-\infty}[/itex] [itex](\frac{e^{-a|t|}}{2a})^{2}[/itex]dt

=[itex]\frac{1}{4a^{2}}∫^{\infty}_{-\infty}[/itex] [itex]e^{-2a|t|}[/itex]dt
?
 
Yes.
 
  • #10
BTW, methods of contour integration should give the result:
[tex] 2 \pi i \lim_{z \rightarrow i a}{\frac{d}{dz} \left( \frac{1}{(z + i a)^2}\right)}[/tex]

and Wolfram Alpha gives the following value for the integral:
http://www.wolframalpha.com/input/?i=Integrate[1/(x^2+a^2)^2,{x,-Infinity,Infinity}]"

EDIT:
Also, your Parseval's Theorem is wrong. It should be:
[tex] \int_{-\infty}^{\infty}{\vert f(t) \vert^2 \, dt} = \int_{-\infty}^{\infty}{\vert \tilde{F}(\omega) \vert^2 \, \frac{d \omega}{2 \pi}}[/tex]
(there's a factor of 2 pi missing in your definition), PROVIDED THAT, your Fourier transform is:
[tex] \tilde{F}(\omega) = \int_{-\infty}^{\infty}{f(t) \, e^{i \omega t} \, dt}[/tex]
and the inverse Fourier transform is:
[tex] f(t) = \int_{-\infty}^{\infty}{\tilde{F}(\omega) e^{-i \omega t} \, \frac{d \omega}{2 \pi}}[/tex]

This convention is standard in Physics, but not in EE. See if your function and Fourier transform satisfy these.
 
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  • #11
Well I ended up getting [itex]\frac{1}{4a^{3}}[/itex] which is the same as the Wolfram Alpha solution minus the factor of 2[itex]\pi[/itex], so Ill include that in my FT's this time. Thanks for your help!
 

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