An approach for computing what frequencies are present in a Wave, in particular the Spectrum, entirely from its dependence on time. Allows us to transform a function between time an frequency domains. Allows us to quantitivatively define the Spectrum of a Wave A Gaussian’s transform is another Gaussian.

  • Frequency is conjugate to time
  • Spatial frequency is conjugate to position Anytime the Fourier Transform is involved, so is the Scale Theorem, and the Uncertainty Principle
Equation
  • Where is called the Fourier Transform of , containing equivalent information to that in
  • lives in the time domain
  • lives in the frequency domain

A spatial fourier transform. Spatial frequency is the conjugate of position .

Inverse Equation

Notation

If original function lowercase, use above notation

  • for the function
  • for the transform If the original function is uppercase:
  • for the function, arbitrarily
  • For the transform

Examples

See sinc for more info

Fourier Transform of the Complex Conjugate of a Function

Scale Theorem

Modulation Theorem

Fourier Transform of the Sum of Two Functions

Shift Theorem

2D Fourier Transform