Using complex contour for calculation integreal sin(x)*exp(ikx)/x

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around evaluating the integral \(\int _{-\infty }^{\infty }\!{\frac {\sin \left( x \right) {{\rm e}^{ikx}}}{x}}{dx}\) using complex analysis techniques. Participants explore the properties of the integral, particularly in relation to the Fourier transform and the behavior of the integrand as \(k\) varies.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the contour integration approach, considering the need for indenting around singular points and the implications of different values of \(k\). There are attempts to clarify the nature of the integral and its relationship to the rectangular function, as well as questions about the convergence and divergence of the integral based on the value of \(k\).

Discussion Status

There is an active exploration of different interpretations of the integral's behavior based on the parameter \(k\). Some participants have offered insights into the contour integration method and the use of the Residue Theorem, while others are questioning assumptions about the singular points and the limits of integration. The discussion reflects a mix of ideas and approaches without a clear consensus on the outcome.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that zero is a removable singular point and discuss the implications of the integral's behavior for different ranges of \(k\), specifically for \(|k|<1\) and \(|k|>1\). There is mention of computational tools like Mathematica providing results that prompt further investigation into the integral's properties.

c0nfig
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Homework Statement


Hi,
i need help with solving the above integral using complex analysis :
\int _{-\infty }^{\infty }\!{\frac {\sin \left( x \right) {{\rm e}^{ikx}}}{x}}{dx}<br />

The Attempt at a Solution


i know that the contour will probably be from -infinity to infinity with indent around the zero point like when solving sin(x)/x integral.
more over, the is actually Fourier transform for sinc , so i think the answer should be a one dim rect function, but i can't see how.
will be grateful for any hints.
 
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I have no idea what you mean by "a one dim rect function" but certainly that can be integrated by using a contour consisting of the line from -R to [math]-\epsilon[/math], a semi-circle of radius [math]\epsilon[/math], the line from [math]\epsilon[/math] to R, a semicircle of radius R, and then taking the limits as R goes to infinity, [math]epsilon[/math] goes to 0.
 
c0nfig said:

Homework Statement


Hi,
i need help with solving the above integral using complex analysis :
\int _{-\infty }^{\infty }\!{\frac {\sin \left( x \right) {{\rm e}^{ikx}}}{x}}{dx}<br />


The Attempt at a Solution


i know that the contour will probably be from -infinity to infinity with indent around the zero point like when solving sin(x)/x integral.
more over, the is actually Fourier transform for sinc , so i think the answer should be a one dim rect function, but i can't see how.
will be grateful for any hints.

First, zero is a removable singular point so no need to indent around it. Also, I think you first need to define what k is and I think it diverges if |k|<1. So for now, try and solve it for k>1. In that case, then I think you can do as Hall said above and use Jordan's Lemma or ML inequality maybe to show that the integral over the half-circle contour goes to zero as R goes to infinity and since there are no poles inside the contour, the integral over the real axis is zero too. Try expanding sin(z) in terms of sin(Re^{it}) and combine everything and then show for k>1 and 0<t<pi, the integral (quickly) goes to zero.
 
Last edited:
HallsofIvy said:
I have no idea what you mean by "a one dim rect function" but certainly that can be integrated by using a contour consisting of the line from -R to [math]-\epsilon[/math], a semi-circle of radius [math]\epsilon[/math], the line from [math]\epsilon[/math] to R, a semicircle of radius R, and then taking the limits as R goes to infinity, [math]epsilon[/math] goes to 0.

thanks for your reply,
just to clarify , rect is just a rectangular function from wiki :
\mathrm{rect}(t) = \sqcap(t) = \begin{cases}<br /> 0 ; \mbox{if } |t| &gt; \frac{1}{2} \\<br /> \frac{1}{2} ; \mbox{if } |t| = \frac{1}{2} \\<br /> 1 ; \mbox{if } |t| &lt; \frac{1}{2}. \\<br />
and it's Fourier transform is simply sin(x)/x (with some constants , and translated if we take the above definition for rectangular function )
now the integral that i asked about is Fourier transform of sin(x)/x so the result should get the rectangular function.

so as HallsofIvy answered : for |k|>1 the integral is zero as rect(k) .
for |k|<1 it shouldn't diverges , but should go to some constant ( actually it is pi )

to do the integral as you said i wrote sin(z) as:( e^iz - e^-iz ) /2i and then multiply it by exp(ikz) . so if i use series now up to first order for the exponents i have : 2iz / 2iz = 1 and the integral is pi.
the problem is it doesn't depend on k because i wrote the series for only to the first order.

HallsofIvy, can you please explain how you got zero there for |k|>1 ?
 
jackmell said:
First, zero is a removable singular point so no need to indent around it. Also, I think you first need to define what k is and I think it diverges if |k|<1. So for now, try and solve it for k>1. In that case, then I think you can do as Hall said above and use Jordan's Lemma or ML inequality maybe to show that the integral over the half-circle contour goes to zero as R goes to infinity and since there are no poles inside the contour, the integral over the real axis is zero too. Try expanding sin(z) in terms of sin(Re^{it}) and combine everything and then show for k>1 and 0<t<pi, the integral (quickly) goes to zero.
sorry,
jackmell, after expanding i get that the limit for any k is zero.
can you please explain further why you have an answer that depend on k ?
 
Ok, I was wrong I think about it diverging for |k|<1 because when I plug-in the integral in Mathematica for say k=1/2 and -1/2, it returns pi as you stated above but Mathematica is no guarantee that's correct of course, but usually it is. Also, Mathematica gives zero for say k=2 and -2. Now, I can show it goes to zero for k>1 by just expanding everything in terms of exponents, using Residue Theorem and ML-inequality, but I had problems showing it is zero for k<-1 and I can't figure out how to show it's pi for |k|<1 at least with some quick figuring on the matter. Just needs more work.
 

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