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H A Helfgott
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Optimization problem of uncertainty principle/Paley-Wiener type

Let $\phi:\mathbb{R}\to\mathbb{R}$ be an even function with support on $[-1,1]$. Assume that it is in $L^1\cap L^2$ and that its Fourier transform is also in $L^1\cap L^2$. Assume as well that $|\phi|_\infty = \phi(0)=1$. Define $F(x) = \int_x^\infty \widehat{\phi}(t) dt$.

Given these constraints, what is the choice of $\phi$ that minimizes $$\int_0^\infty |F(x)| dx?$$

What is the value of that minimum?

A possibly easier problem is to minimize $$\int_0^\infty F(x) dx,$$ which of course equals $$\int_0^\infty t \widehat{\phi}(t) dt.$$

(These are clearly questions of uncertainty-principle type.)

H A Helfgott
  • 20.2k
  • 3
  • 43
  • 126