Plotting a Guassian FWHM = 1 ns

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around plotting a Gaussian distribution with a specified full width at half maximum (FWHM) of 1 ns. Participants explore the implications of selecting the correct sigma value and its effect on the resulting plot, including calculations related to FWHM.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests using MATLAB to plot a Gaussian distribution and questions the selection of sigma, proposing a value of 0.1 ns.
  • Another participant questions whether the graphed function has a FWHM of about 2.7 ns, indicating uncertainty in the calculation.
  • A later reply confirms the derived formula for FWHM and suggests it can be solved for sigma, stating the relationship as FWHM = 2√(2ln(2))σ.
  • Another participant proposes a different interpretation of the formula, suggesting a rearrangement that moves sigma in the equation and provides specific values for FWHM and sigma.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the calculation of FWHM and the correct interpretation of sigma in the context of the Gaussian distribution. The discussion remains unresolved with multiple competing interpretations of the equations involved.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations regarding the assumptions made about sigma and its role in the equations, as well as potential dependencies on the definitions used in the context of Gaussian distributions.

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Homework Statement
Graph a guassian pulse when the FWHM is approximately 1 ns
Relevant Equations
$$V(t) = \frac{1}{\sqrt{2\pi}\sigma}e^{\frac{-t^2}{2\sigma^2}}$$
Simply plugging this into software like MATLAB will present a solid guassian distrubution. However, my doubt comes from selecting the correct sigma.

t = - 10 ns to + 10 ns
##\sigma## = 0.1 ns

This produces a plot like so,
1638757460650.png
 
Last edited:
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Am I right in thinking the graphed function has a FWHM of about 2.7 ns ?
 
Baluncore said:
Am I right in thinking the graphed function has a FWHM of about 2.7 ns ?
Yes, I was just trying to supply an example guassian. The derived formula for FWHM is as follows, which you can solve for ##\sigma##.
$$FWHM = 2\sqrt{2ln(2)}\sigma$$
 
Maybe you are including sigma in the square root of one or both equations.
Move sigma from the tail to the head.
FWHM = sigma * 2 * Sqr( 2 * Log( 2 ) )
V(t) = Exp( -0.5 * ( t / sigma)^2 ) / ( sigma * Sqr( 2 * Pi ) )
FWHM = 1 nsec
sigma = 4.2466e-10
t= -0.5 ns; v = 469718639.350
t = 0; max v = 939437278.700
t= +0.5 ns; v = 469718639.350
 
Last edited:

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