Solving the Wave Equation via complex coordinates

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the application of complex coordinates to solve the wave equation, exploring various mathematical formulations and implications. Participants examine the use of contour integrals and the Cauchy residue theorem in this context, as well as the relationship between complex functions and wave equations, including potential connections to the Klein-Gordon equation.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant proposes using complex functions ##f(x+iy)## to express the wave equation and seeks guidance on solving the integral equation with a given source.
  • Another participant questions the applicability of complex coordinates to the wave equation due to the presence of a minus sign.
  • A different participant inquires whether the proposed method could yield solutions to the Klein-Gordon equation, suggesting a connection to quantization through winding numbers.
  • A participant acknowledges previous mistakes in their derivation and clarifies the expression for the derivative in complex coordinates, raising questions about the nature of second-order derivatives.
  • Concerns are expressed regarding the implications of signal behavior over distance, questioning the physical validity of increasing signals contradicting natural forces.
  • One participant corrects an earlier statement about the form of an integral, indicating it relates to arctan rather than logarithmic behavior.
  • A later reply suggests that the discussed approach could potentially address equations of the form ##\box\psi=f(\psi)##, raising the issue of compactness and its implications for diffusion problems.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a range of views, with some agreeing on the potential of complex coordinates while others raise concerns about their applicability to the wave equation. The discussion remains unresolved, with multiple competing perspectives on the mathematical formulations and physical implications.

Contextual Notes

Participants note limitations in their assumptions and the complexity of deriving certain mathematical expressions, particularly regarding the behavior of signals and the nature of derivatives in the context of complex coordinates.

jk22
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I'm looking for material about the following approach : If one suppose a function over complex numbers ##f(x+iy)## then

##\frac{df}{dz}=\frac{\partial f}{\partial x}\frac{1}{\frac{\partial z}{\partial x}}+\frac{\partial f}{\partial y}\frac{1}{\frac{\partial z}{\partial y}}=\frac{\partial f}{\partial x}-i \frac{\partial f}{\partial y}##

Hence the wave equation with source g reads

##Re(\frac{\partial^2 f}{\partial z^2})=g(x+iy)##

Using Cauchy residue theorem

##Im(\oint\frac{f(z)}{(z-a)^3}dz)=\pi g(a)##

Then if the source is the function itself we can obtain the total function out of the contour integral over the boundary condition for example.

However I seek to use this method to solve the wave equation given another source and don't know how to solve the integral equation. Does anyone know how this could be done ?
 
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You can write the Laplacian in terms of complex co-ordinates, I'm not sure you can do this for the wave equation though, as you have a minus sign to contend with.
 
Ok, I have to check, but is it correct that gives the solution of the Klein-Gordon equation with a quantization due to the winding number ?
 
Oops, I made mistakes.

1) ##\frac{d}{dz}=\frac{1}{2}(\frac{\partial}{\partial x}-i\frac{\partial}{\partial y})##

I forgot also that ##y=ct##

Then we have to derive twice

##f(z)=\frac{n_\gamma(z)}{2\pi i}\oint_\gamma\frac{f(s)}{z-s}ds##

Towards ##z## :

##\frac{d^2}{dz^2}=\frac{\partial^2}{\partial x^2}-\frac{1}{c^2}\frac{\partial^2}{\partial t^2}-2i\frac{\partial}{\partial x}\frac{\partial}{c\partial t}##

This seems more clear to ask the questions :

1) is the product of operator derivative a second order derivative or the square of the first derivative : ##\frac{\partial^2\psi(x,t)}{\partial x^2}\neq\left(\frac{\partial\psi(x,t)}{\partial x}\right)^2##

2) in deriving the Cauchy formula wrt. ##z## assuming the endstate were zero as well as the boundary but the initial state uniformly distributed, then there are 3 termd, the first involving second derivative of ##n_\gamma(z)## which gives a derivative of a delta and the integral gives a log type result. I don't know if this is correct ?

But assuming this would imply the square of the log is decreasing and then increasing, like a Bell signal.

But increasing signals with the distance is contrary to all forces in the nature ? Hence there shall be a maximal distance for intrication ?
 
Erratum : the imaginary part of theexpression in the integral is of the form ##\frac{ct}{(x-s)^2+c^2t^2}ds## so it is not a log but an arctan.
 
Addendum : if this is correct it could permit in particular to solve a lot of equations of the type ##\box\psi=f(\psi)## even with the requirement of compactness between an initial and and a final condition.

(Could The compactness solve for example the problem of infinite speed of diffusion of a delta localized particle ?)
 

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