Why inverse laplace is line integral?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the relationship between the inverse Laplace transform and line integrals, particularly in the context of the Bromwich integral. Participants explore the mathematical formulations involved and the implications of Stokes' theorem in this context.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions why the inverse Laplace transform is not expressed as a double integral over amplitude and phase functions, suggesting a continuous summation approach similar to the Fourier transform.
  • Another participant identifies the Bromwich integral as a method for calculating the inverse Laplace transform, noting its nature as both a line integral and an area integral due to Stokes' theorem.
  • A participant clarifies that the Bromwich integral does not represent a closed line in the complex plane, which raises questions about its connection to double integrals over bidimensional regions.
  • Further discussion reveals that the closed path integral consists of the Bromwich part and another part, with specific cases where the other part may vanish or be calculable due to branch points.
  • One participant expresses confusion regarding the explanation of the closed path integral and its components.
  • Another participant reiterates the relationship between area and line integrals, emphasizing the importance of understanding whether the additional contour integral is zero or not.
  • A question is raised about the scaling of the Bromwich integral by ##\frac{1}{2 \pi i}##, to which a participant affirms the connection.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the role of the Bromwich integral in the context of the inverse Laplace transform, but there are competing views regarding the implications of closed path integrals and the conditions under which certain parts may vanish or be ignored. The discussion remains unresolved on some technical aspects.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty regarding the relationship between the Bromwich integral and double integrals, as well as the conditions under which certain integrals may be considered zero or empty. There are also unresolved questions about the implications of branch points in the context of closed contours.

Jhenrique
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Watching this video http://youtu.be/1JnayXHhjlg?t=5m30s, I understood the ideia the Fourier transform, that is a continuous summation of sinusoids. But now If I have amplitude and phase as function of σ and ω, the summation wouldn't be ##\sum_\sigma \sum_\omega A_{\sigma \omega} \exp(i \varphi_{\sigma \omega}) \exp((\sigma + i \omega)t)##? And in its continuous form why the inverse laplace transform isn't a double integral wrt sigma and omega? $$\int_{-\infty }^{+\infty} \int_{-\infty }^{+\infty} F(\sigma, \omega) \exp((\sigma + i \omega)t)d\sigma d\omega $$
 
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I take it you are talking about the Bromwich integral? It is just one way of calculating the inverse laplace transform. It is a line integral and an area integral, they are the same thing because of Stokes theorem.
$$\int \! \! \int \, \nabla\times\mathbf{F}\cdot\mathrm{d}A=\oint \mathrm{F}\cdot\mathrm{d}l$$
 
lurflurf said:
I take it you are talking about the Bromwich integral?
Yeah! But the Bromwich integral isn't a closed line in the complex plane, therefore, this formula haven't connection with a double integral over a bidimensional region (like is stated in the green theorem).
 
Yes that is true the closed path integral has two parts, the Bromwich part and another part. Two common cases are when the other part vanishes and the branch point case where we can calculate the other part.
 
lurflurf said:
Yes that is true the closed path integral has two parts, the Bromwich part and another part. Two common cases are when the other part vanishes and the branch point case where we can calculate the other part.

I did not understand.
 
$$\int \! \! \int \, \nabla\times\mathbf{F}\cdot\mathrm{d}A=\oint \mathrm{F}\cdot\mathrm{d}l=\int_\mathrm{Bromwich} \mathrm{F}\cdot\mathrm{d}l+\int_{other} \mathrm{F}\cdot\mathrm{d}l$$

So there is always an area interpretation if you want it. Just close the contour like when you use the residue theorem. Often the other part is zero or empty, sometimes it is not due to a branch cut or something.

By empty I mean we can often ignore the other contour by giving arguments like the Bromwhich contour is closed because the ends meet at infinity or something. All that stuff is not as important as knowing if the term is zero or not.
 
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lurflurf said:
I take it you are talking about the Bromwich integral? It is just one way of calculating the inverse laplace transform. It is a line integral and an area integral, they are the same thing because of Stokes theorem.
$$\int \! \! \int \, \nabla\times\mathbf{F}\cdot\mathrm{d}A=\oint \mathrm{F}\cdot\mathrm{d}l$$

Btw, is because this formula that the Bromwich integral is scaled by ##\frac{1}{2 \pi i}## ?
 
^yes
 
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