I have a question regarding the definition of a fractional derivative. I've searched, but I can't find a definition of fractional derivatives that explain the concept in terms of an operator on some function. I guess what I'm trying to ask is the following:
Let f(z) be an analytic function. Let $_0D_z^v(f(z))$ denote the $v^{th}$ fractional derivative of $f$ in the Riemann-Liouville sense. Let $D_z^v(f(z))$ denote the $v^{th}$ fractional derivative of $f$ in the Weyl sense. Assume $f(z)$ can be written as $f(z)=g(z)+h(z)$, where $g$ and $h$ are analytic (NOTE: one of $g$ or $h$ could be the zero function). Let $D^v$ be the operator defined by $D^v(f(z))= _0D_z^v(g(z)) + D_z^v(h(z))$, whenever this makes sense i.e. when each part is defined.
Could one say that $D^v(f(z))$ here is a fractional derivative in the sense that the operator satisfies:
- This operator is linear
- The operator preserves analytic properties, i.e. the result of applying the operator is again analytic.
- When $v$ is a positive integer, the operator corresponds to the $n^{th}$ derivative of $f$ with respect to $z$. Furthermore, when $n$ is a negative integer the operator corresponds to the $n$ fold integral of $f$.
- When $v=0$ applying $D^v$ leaves $f(z)$ unchanged.
- $D^{v}D^r(f(z))= D^{v+r}(f(z))$.
I believe at first glance (unless I'm making a mistake) that each property described above is satisfied by virtue that the Riemann-Liouville and Weyl fractional derivatives satisfy these properties as well.
I guess the above definition could give two different values (by switching the order of $g$ and $h$) but there are multiple ways of defining a fractional derivative as well. I don't think this is necessarily a problem. Could be wrong though.
I hope this question makes sense. Let me know if I need to be clearer about something.
Thank You for Your Help,
Rick
P.S. I'm not sure that "operator" is the correct wording, but hopefully you understand what I mean by the above definition anyway.
Edit:
$D^v$ is not well-defined. Since I'm having an issue with a specific function, let $g(z)=1$ and $h(z) = f(z)-1$.
To be more specific, I'm trying to take the fractional derivative of:
$f(x) = 1 + n^{-x}$ where $n$ is an integer and $n\geq 2$.
I need the fractional derivative of $f(x)$ defined above when $0<v<1$.
In a perfect world, I'd really like for the derivative of $1$ to SLOWLY go to $0$ as $v$ gets closer to 1 and the derivative of the second piece to go to $\log(n)n^{-x}$ as $v$ gets close to 1. Just to suit my specific needs. But, I don't know if I can.
I really like the Riemann-Liouville fractional derivative of the constant term and the Weyl fractional derivative of the second piece, but it seems like I can't take the Weyl fractional derivative of $1$ and the Riemann-Liouville fractional derivative of $n^{-x}$ is "nasty" for my specific goal/desire.