The Fourier Transform is a mathematical tool that transforms a time-domain signal into its frequency-domain representation. It decomposes a signal into its constituent sinusoidal frequencies, providing insight into the signal's frequency content.
### Key Formula for Fourier Transform
The continuous-time Fourier Transform (FT) of a signal \( x(t) \) is given by:
\[
X(f) = \int_{-\infty}^{\infty} x(t) e^{-j 2 \pi f t} \, dt
\]
where:
- \( X(f) \) is the Fourier Transform of the signal \( x(t) \),
- \( t \) represents time,
- \( f \) represents frequency,
- \( j \) is the imaginary unit \( (j^2 = -1) \),
- \( e^{-j 2 \pi f t} \) represents the complex exponential basis function.
Let's look at the Fourier Transform of different standard signals.
### 1. **Fourier Transform of a Unit Impulse (Delta Function)**
The unit impulse function \( \delta(t) \) is defined as:
\[
\delta(t) = \begin{cases}
\infty, & t = 0 \\
0, & t \neq 0
\end{cases}
\]
and \(\int_{-\infty}^{\infty} \delta(t) \, dt = 1\).
**Fourier Transform:**
\[
X(f) = \int_{-\infty}^{\infty} \delta(t) e^{-j 2 \pi f t} \, dt = 1
\]
**Interpretation:**
The Fourier Transform of a delta function is a constant, which means that the delta function contains all frequencies with equal amplitude.
### 2. **Fourier Transform of a Unit Step Function**
The unit step function \( u(t) \) is defined as:
\[
u(t) = \begin{cases}
1, & t \geq 0 \\
0, & t < 0
\end{cases}
\]
**Fourier Transform:**
\[
X(f) = \int_{-\infty}^{\infty} u(t) e^{-j 2 \pi f t} \, dt = \frac{1}{j 2 \pi f} + \pi \delta(f)
\]
**Interpretation:**
The Fourier Transform of the unit step function consists of a term \( \frac{1}{j 2 \pi f} \), which indicates that it has a continuous spectrum with an amplitude that decreases as frequency increases, and a delta function at zero frequency.
### 3. **Fourier Transform of a Sinusoidal Signal**
Consider a cosine signal \( x(t) = \cos(2 \pi f_0 t) \).
**Fourier Transform:**
\[
X(f) = \frac{1}{2} \left[ \delta(f - f_0) + \delta(f + f_0) \right]
\]
**Interpretation:**
The Fourier Transform of a cosine wave consists of two delta functions at \( \pm f_0 \), showing that the signal has energy concentrated at frequencies \( f_0 \) and \( -f_0 \).
### 4. **Fourier Transform of an Exponential Signal**
Consider the exponential signal \( x(t) = e^{-\alpha t} u(t) \), where \( \alpha > 0 \) and \( u(t) \) is the unit step function.
**Fourier Transform:**
\[
X(f) = \int_{0}^{\infty} e^{-\alpha t} e^{-j 2 \pi f t} \, dt = \frac{1}{\alpha + j 2 \pi f}
\]
**Interpretation:**
This transform shows that the signal has a spectrum that decreases with frequency, with a pole at \( f = -\frac{\alpha}{2\pi j} \).
### 5. **Fourier Transform of a Rectangular Pulse**
Consider a rectangular pulse of width \( T \) centered around \( t = 0 \):
\[
x(t) = \begin{cases}
1, & -\frac{T}{2} \leq t \leq \frac{T}{2} \\
0, & \text{otherwise}
\end{cases}
\]
**Fourier Transform:**
\[
X(f) = \int_{-T/2}^{T/2} e^{-j 2 \pi f t} \, dt = T \, \text{sinc}(fT)
\]
where \( \text{sinc}(x) = \frac{\sin(\pi x)}{\pi x} \).
**Interpretation:**
The Fourier Transform of a rectangular pulse is a sinc function, showing that the signal's energy is spread over multiple frequencies, with the main lobe centered at zero frequency.
### 6. **Fourier Transform of a Gaussian Function**
Consider a Gaussian function \( x(t) = e^{-at^2} \) where \( a > 0 \).
**Fourier Transform:**
\[
X(f) = \sqrt{\frac{\pi}{a}} e^{-\frac{(\pi f)^2}{a}}
\]
**Interpretation:**
The Fourier Transform of a Gaussian is also a Gaussian, which means that a Gaussian signal in time remains a Gaussian in the frequency domain. This property makes Gaussian functions very useful in signal processing and communication.
### Summary
The Fourier Transform is a versatile tool for analyzing signals. Each type of signal has a unique Fourier Transform that reveals its frequency content, making it easier to analyze, filter, or manipulate in applications such as communications, signal processing, and audio engineering.
Would you like to dive deeper into any specific signal or application of the Fourier Transform?