Green Functions for the
Wave Equation
Golam Mustafa
University of South Dakota
The Wave Equation
Maxwell equations in terms of potentials in Lorenz gauge
Both are wave equations with known source distribution f(x,t) :
If there are no boundaries, solution by Fourier transform and the
Green function method is best.
2
Green Functions for the Wave Equation
G. Mustafa
Fourier transforms
Fourier transformation in time
and inverse Fourier transformation
3
Green Functions for the Wave Equation
G. Mustafa
Inhomogeneous Helmholtz wave equation
In the frequency domain, the wave equation
transforms to Inhomogeneous Helmholtz wave equation
where is the wave number associate with frequencyω
The Green function appropriate to Inhomogeneous Helmholtz
wave equation satisfies the equation:
4
Green Functions for the Wave Equation
G. Mustafa
Free space Helmholtz Green function
In free space with no boundaries, the solution must be
spherically symmetric about x=x/. Let then
becomes
For
has the solution
5
Green Functions for the Wave Equation
G. Mustafa
Free space Helmholtz Green function
In the limit of electrostatic,
then,
with the solution gives
and represent diverging and conversing spherical
waves respectively.
6
Green Functions for the Wave Equation
G. Mustafa
Time dependent Green function
The time dependent Green functions corresponding to
and satisfy
Fourier transform of above equation leads to
The solutions of above equation are therefore,
7
Green Functions for the Wave Equation
G. Mustafa
Time dependent Green function
Inverse Fourier transform of
gives rise to
where is the relative time.
Since ,
or, more explicitly,
8
Green Functions for the Wave Equation
G. Mustafa
Retarded and advanced Green functions
The delta function requires to contribute
and R/c is always nonnegative. Therefore,
for G(+) only contributes, or sources only affect the
wave function after they act. Thus G(+) is called a retarded
Green function, as the affects are retarded (after) their
causes.
G(−) is the advanced Green function, giving effects which
precede their causes.
9
Green Functions for the Wave Equation
G. Mustafa
In and Out Field
When a source distribution is localized in time and space, we
can envision two limiting situations:
At time , there exists a wave satisfying the
homogeneous equation.
G(+) ensures no contribution before the source is activated.
At time , exists.
G(-) makes sure no contribution after the source shuts off.
10
Green Functions for the Wave Equation
G. Mustafa
In and Out Field
With the initial condition , we can write the
general solution
where [ ]ret means
11
Green Functions for the Wave Equation
G. Mustafa
Green Functions for the Wave Equation
G. Mustafa 12
Top Related