What is a Linear Combination of Spherical Harmonics?

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SUMMARY

A linear combination of spherical harmonics is a mathematical representation used to model data in three-dimensional space. The user seeks to fit a model using first-order spherical harmonics, specifically expressing it as E(θ, φ) = A*Y[0,0] + B*Y[-1,1] + C*Y[0,1] + D*Y[1,1], where A, B, C, and D are coefficients to be determined. The discussion highlights the need for clarity on how to handle real-valued spherical harmonics, as the user does not require imaginary components in their data analysis. This indicates a gap in understanding the practical application of spherical harmonics in real-world scenarios.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of spherical harmonics and their mathematical properties
  • Familiarity with linear algebra concepts, particularly linear combinations
  • Knowledge of coefficient determination in mathematical modeling
  • Experience with real-valued functions and their applications in data fitting
NEXT STEPS
  • Research methods for determining coefficients in linear combinations of spherical harmonics
  • Explore the application of real-valued spherical harmonics in data modeling
  • Learn about the mathematical properties of spherical harmonics in computational tools like MATLAB or Python
  • Investigate case studies where spherical harmonics are used for data fitting in various fields
USEFUL FOR

Data scientists, mathematicians, and researchers working on three-dimensional data modeling, particularly those interested in applying spherical harmonics for real-valued data analysis.

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Okay, so I'm working on using spherical harmonics to fit a model to some data. The thing is, everything can apparently be described as a "linear combination of spherical harmonics" but nobody is explaining in plain English what that means, at least to me! :D

I see lots of double sum equations and everybody seems to solve spherical harmonics in a different way. So what I'd like to know, is this right? Based on the table of spherical harmonics I think a linear combination to get a 1st order spherical harmonic of them would look something like:

E(θ, \varphi) = A*Y[0,0] + B*Y[-1,1] + C*Y[0,1] + D*Y[1,1].

So to fit my model I would need to determine coefficients A, B, C, and D. Is this right? Also, is there a particular way to do it for real-valued spherical harmonics? I don't have imaginary numbers in my data and this isn't a plotting exercise so I'm not sure what to do with them.
 
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Did I put this in the wrong section? I'd love some help when someone can manage the time. Thanks.
 

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