Sketch the form of the Fourier transform - is this right?

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The discussion centers on the Fourier transform of the function f(k) = sin²(ka/2) / (ka/2)². Participants analyze the graph's characteristics, concluding that it exhibits one central maximum at k=0, contrary to initial assumptions of two maxima at -π/2 and π/2. The concept of the sinc function is introduced, clarifying that the squared function retains symmetry and a single peak at the origin.

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  • Basic knowledge of trigonometric functions
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"Sketch the form of the Fourier transform" - is this right?

Question ~ sketch the "form of the Fourier transform" for the function:

f(k) = sin^2(ka/2) / (ka/2)^2So I'm thinking it will look like a cos [or sin] graph (shifted so that its 'above' *f(k)=0*) and that there will be some sort of *central* highest maximum and then the height of the peaks tends to 0.

*** My question is does this graph have one highest maximum when k=0 or does it have two highest maximums either side of the origin spaced evenly from the origin [k=0]?

At the moment I'm thinking there will be two highest maximums which occur at -π/2 and π/2. Also, that when k = 0, f(k)=0.

Later on however in the question it implies that there is one central maximum:

"...find the values of k when f(k) first becomes zero either side of the central maximum at k=0..."Any advice?
 
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There is a concept called the sinc function.

[itex]sin(k/2)/(k/2) = sinc(k/2)[/itex]

The function has one maximum at k=0, and is symmetric across k = 0. You function is the square version of this function, when the variable is taken to be ka/2.
 

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