Null convolution

convolution

The convolution of two functions $u(t),v(t)$ is defined as
$$u(t)*v(t) = \int_{-\infty}^{+\infty} u(\tau)\,v(t-\tau)\,d\tau.$$

Could you provide a simple example of two functions $u(t),v(t)$ for which their convolution is null for all $t$, without $u(t)$ or $v(t)$ being null for all $t$?

Best Answer

Let $u$ and $v$ be Schwartz functions whose Fourier transforms $\hat u$ and $\hat v$ are bump functions with disjoint support. (To make such $u$ and $v$, start by defining their Fourier transforms, and then set $u$ and $v$ equal to the inverse Fourier transform of the functions you defined.) Then for each $\omega$, \begin{align*} \widehat{u\ast v}(\omega) = \hat u(\omega)\cdot\hat v(\omega) = 0. \end{align*} Since the Fourier transform is a linear isomorphism of the Schwartz space to itself, $u\ast v = 0$. However, each of $u$ and $v$ are not zero because their respective Fourier transforms are nonzero.

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