03正交函数与多极子展开.pdf

03 Orthogonal Functions and Multipole Expansion Expansion of arbitrary functions in terms of a complete set of functions In mathematical physics the expansion of an arbitrary function in terms of an ortho- gonal system of functions plays an important role. The Fourier series encountered in the problem of the vibrating string is an example of such an expansion. Let us consider now a finite or infinite system of real or complex functions ( ), ( ), , ( ), U x U x U x  1 2 n in the interval [a,b] . This system of functions is called to be orthogonal if the func- tions satisfy the orthogonality relation: b  ( ) ( )  (3.1) U x U x dxs n m n nm a wher U is the function complex conjugate to U . If s 1 for n1,2, , then  m m n the system is said to be normalized (orthonormal system). If U(x) is not identical with the null function, that is, b  ( ) ( ) 0 (3.2) U x U x dx a then this integral is denoted the norm of the function U(x) . So, a function is said to be normalized if b  ( ) ( ) 1. (3.3) U x U x dx a Any function different from the null function can be normalized by multiplying with an appropriate constant so that ( ) U x ( ) (3.4) U x 