Trigonometric integral / Complex Analysis

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SUMMARY

The integral \(\int\limits_0^{\infty} \cos{x^2} dx\) can be evaluated using complex analysis techniques. The discussion highlights the application of the Gaussian integral \(\int_{-\infty}^\infty e^{-a x^2} \, dx = \sqrt{\frac{\pi}{a}}\) as a foundational tool. The transformation of \(\cos(x^2)\) into a complex exponential form, specifically \(\cos(x^2) = \text{Re}\{e^{ix^2}\}\), is essential for solving the integral. The limit process involving complex parameters is also noted as a valid approach to extend the Gaussian integral to cases where the real part of \(a\) approaches zero.

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Homework Statement



Calculate the integral \int\limits_0^{\infty} \cos{x^2} dx

This is the exercise from complex analysis chapter, so I guess I should change it into a complex integral somehow and than integrate. I just don't know how, since neither substitution cos(x^2) = Re{e^ix^2} nor cos(x^2)=1/2(e^ix^2 + e^-(ix^2)) works.

Thanks in advance for your help :)
 
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Do you know the Gaussian integral
\int_{-\infty}^\infty e^{-a x^2} \, dx = \sqrt{\frac{\pi}{a}}

It formally applies to all a for which Re(a) > 0, although as far as I am aware it continues to hold when Re(a) goes to 0, if Im(a) is non-zero, i.e.
\lim_{\epsilon \downarrow 0} \int_{-\infty}^\infty e^{-(\epsilon + i a) x^2} \, dx = \sqrt{\frac{\pi}{ ia}} = (1 - i) \sqrt{\frac{\pi}{a}}
 

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