Abstract
We introduce a method for constructing solutions of homogeneous partial differential equations. This method can be used to construct the usual, well-known, separable solutions of the wave equation, but it also easily gives the non-separable localized wave solutions. These solutions exhibit a degree of focusing about the propagation axis that is dependent on a free parameter, and have many important potential applications. The method is based on constructing the space-time Fourier transform of a function so that it satisfies the transformed partial differential equation. We also apply the method to construct localized wave solutions of the wave equation in a lossy infinite medium, and of the Klein-Gordon equation. The localized wave solutions of these three equations differ somewhat, and we discuss these differences. A discussion of the properties of the localized waves, and of experiments to launch them, is included in the Appendix.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 673-692 |
Number of pages | 20 |
Journal | Proceedings of the Royal Society A: Mathematical, Physical and Engineering Sciences |
Volume | 437 |
Issue number | 1901 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 1992 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- General Mathematics
- General Engineering
- General Physics and Astronomy