What is the Limit of the Poisson Kernel Prove for $r\to 1$?

In summary: You have correctly summarized the conversation. The proof shows that as $r$ approaches 1, the Poisson kernel has a limit of infinity when $\theta = 0$, and a limit of 0 when $\theta \neq 0$. This is based on the two pieces of the Poisson kernel, where the first piece has a summation that approaches infinity and the second piece has a fractional representation that simplifies to 0.
  • #1
Dustinsfl
2,281
5
Prove:
$$
\lim_{r\to 1}P(r,\theta) = \begin{cases}
\infty, & \theta = 0\\
0, & \text{otherwise}
\end{cases}
$$
For the first piece, take the summation
$$
P(1,0) = \frac{1}{\pi}\left(\frac{1}{2} + \sum_{n = 1}^{\infty} 1^n\right).
$$
Then $\sum\limits_{n = 1}^{\infty} 1^n = \infty$.
Therefore, we have a positive number plus infinity which is infinity when $r\to 1$ and $\theta = 0$.
For the second piece, take the fractional representation of the Poisson kernel,
$$
P(1,\theta) = \frac{1}{2\pi}\frac{0}{2 - 2\cos\theta} = 0.
$$
Therefore, $P(r,\theta) = 0$ for all $\theta\neq 0$.
That is,
$$\lim_{r\to 1}P(r,\theta) = \begin{cases}
\infty, & \theta = 0\\
0, & \text{otherwise}
\end{cases}
$$
 
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  • #2
Could you write the definition of Poisson kernel?
 
  • #3
girdav said:
Could you write the definition of Poisson kernel?

$$
P(r,\theta) = \frac{1}{\pi}\left(\frac{1}{2} + \sum_{n = 1}^{\infty} r^n\cos\theta\right) = \frac{1}{2\pi}\frac{1 - r^2}{1 - 2r\cos\theta + r^2}
$$
 
  • #4
dwsmith said:
$$
P(r,\theta) = \frac{1}{\pi}\left(\frac{1}{2} + \sum_{n = 1}^{\infty} r^n\cos\theta\right) = \frac{1}{2\pi}\frac{1 - r^2}{1 - 2r\cos\theta + r^2}
$$

Can you please tell me where you found this definition?
 
  • #5
Sudharaka said:
Can you please tell me where you found this definition?

A class on Fourier series

A class on Engineering Analysis

The book Elementary Partial Differential Equations by Berg and McGregor

My Engineering Analysis book that I can't remember the name.

Separate handout notes by my Fourier Analysis professor.
 
  • #6
dwsmith said:
A class on Fourier series

A class on Engineering Analysis

The book Elementary Partial Differential Equations by Berg and McGregor

My Engineering Analysis book that I can't remember the name.

Separate handout notes by my Fourier Analysis professor.

I suggest you to check the definition again. The correct one is given >>here<<.

\begin{eqnarray}

P_r(\theta)&=&\sum_{n=-\infty}^\infty r^{|n|}e^{in\theta}=\frac{1-r^2}{1-2r\cos\theta +r^2}\mbox{ where }0 \le r < 1.\\

&=&\sum_{n=-\infty}^\infty r^{|n|}\cos(n\theta)+i\sum_{n=-\infty}^\infty r^{|n|}\sin(n\theta)\\

\end{eqnarray}

Since, \(r^{|n|}\sin(n\theta)\) is an odd function it is clear that the second sum is equal to zero.

\begin{eqnarray}

\therefore P_r(\theta)&=&\sum_{n=-\infty}^\infty r^{|n|}\cos(n\theta)\\

&=&1+2\sum_{n=1}^\infty r^{n}\cos(n\theta)\\

\end{eqnarray}

Hence we finally get,

\[P_r(\theta)=1+2\sum_{n=1}^\infty r^{n}\cos(n\theta)= \frac{1-r^2}{1-2r\cos\theta +r^2}\mbox{ where }0 \le r < 1.\]
 
  • #7
Sudharaka said:
I suggest you to check the definition again. The correct one is given >>here<<.

\begin{eqnarray}

P_r(\theta)&=&\sum_{n=-\infty}^\infty r^{|n|}e^{in\theta}=\frac{1-r^2}{1-2r\cos\theta +r^2}\mbox{ where }0 \le r < 1.\\

&=&\sum_{n=-\infty}^\infty r^{|n|}\cos(n\theta)+i\sum_{n=-\infty}^\infty r^{|n|}\sin(n\theta)\\

\end{eqnarray}

Since, \(r^{|n|}\sin(n\theta)\) is an odd function it is clear that the second sum is equal to zero.

\begin{eqnarray}

\therefore P_r(\theta)&=&\sum_{n=-\infty}^\infty r^{|n|}\cos(n\theta)\\

&=&1+2\sum_{n=1}^\infty r^{n}\cos(n\theta)\\

\end{eqnarray}

Hence we finally get,

\[P_r(\theta)=1+2\sum_{n=1}^\infty r^{n}\cos(n\theta)= \frac{1-r^2}{1-2r\cos\theta +r^2}\mbox{ where }0 \le r < 1.\]

The books are already opened to the pages. I see it clearly.
 
  • #9
dwsmith said:
Photo of Poisson Kernel

https://www.physicsforums.com/attachments/396

Poisson Kernel -- from Wolfram MathWorld

Yes it seems that there is a slight difference in the definition of the Poisson Kernel. In some books it's defined as,

\[P(r,\theta)=\frac{1-r^2}{1-2r\cos\theta +r^2}\]

whereas in others,

\[P(r,\theta)=\frac{1}{2\pi}\frac{1-r^2}{1-2r\cos\theta +r^2}\]

You seem to be using this second definition. However notice that you are missing a \(n\) in the summation of post #3.

\[P(r,\theta) = \frac{1}{\pi}\left(\frac{1}{2} + \sum_{n = 1}^{\infty} r^n\cos({\color{red}n}\theta)\right) = \frac{1}{2\pi}\frac{1 - r^2}{1 - 2r\cos\theta + r^2}\]
 
  • #10
Sudharaka said:
\[P(r,\theta) = \frac{1}{\pi}\left(\frac{1}{2} + \sum_{n = 1}^{\infty} r^n\cos({\color{red}n}\theta)\right) = \frac{1}{2\pi}\frac{1 - r^2}{1 - 2r\cos\theta + r^2}\]
Typo.
Is my soln correct?
 
  • #11
dwsmith said:
Prove:
$$
\lim_{r\to 1}P(r,\theta) = \begin{cases}
\infty, & \theta = 0\\
0, & \text{otherwise}
\end{cases}
$$
For the first piece, take the summation
$$
P(1,0) = \frac{1}{\pi}\left(\frac{1}{2} + \sum_{n = 1}^{\infty} 1^n\right).
$$
Then $\sum\limits_{n = 1}^{\infty} 1^n = \infty$.
Therefore, we have a positive number plus infinity which is infinity when $r\to 1$ and $\theta = 0$.
For the second piece, take the fractional representation of the Poisson kernel,
$$
P(1,\theta) = \frac{1}{2\pi}\frac{0}{2 - 2\cos\theta} = 0.
$$
Therefore, $P({\color{red}1},\theta) = 0$ for all $\theta\neq 0$.
That is,
$$\lim_{r\to 1}P(r,\theta) = \begin{cases}
\infty, & \theta = 0\\
0, & \text{otherwise}
\end{cases}
$$

Yeah it's correct. (Yes)
 

FAQ: What is the Limit of the Poisson Kernel Prove for $r\to 1$?

What is the Poisson kernel?

The Poisson kernel is a mathematical function used in the field of potential theory. It is defined as the ratio of the area of a circle to its circumference and is commonly used in the study of harmonic functions and their limits.

What is the purpose of studying the limit of the Poisson kernel?

The limit of the Poisson kernel is important in understanding the behavior of harmonic functions at a given point. It helps us determine whether a function is continuous, differentiable, or has other important properties at a specific point on its domain.

How is the limit of the Poisson kernel calculated?

The limit of the Poisson kernel is calculated by taking the limit of the function as the radius of the circle approaches zero. This can be done using various mathematical techniques such as L'Hopital's rule or Taylor series expansion.

What are some real-world applications of the limit of the Poisson kernel?

The limit of the Poisson kernel has various applications in physics, engineering, and other fields. It is used to study the behavior of electric and gravitational fields, as well as heat diffusion and fluid flow. It is also used in image processing and computer graphics to smooth out jagged edges.

What are some other important properties of the Poisson kernel?

Aside from its limit, the Poisson kernel also has other important properties, such as its symmetry, positivity, and monotonicity. These properties make it a useful tool in solving boundary value problems and understanding the behavior of harmonic functions in different situations.

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