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Simple derivation of the thermal noise formula using window-limited Fourier transforms and other conundrums

1996/01/01 by Derek Abbott, B.R. Davis, N.J. Phillips +1 · 1 citation
Physics and Astronomy · Computer Science · Mathematics · Engineering · #Quantum Mechanics and Applications #Advanced Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics #Quantum Information and Cryptography #Window (computing) #Fourier transform #Simple (philosophy) #Noise (video) #Range (aeronautics) #Computer science #Calculus (dental) #Energy (signal processing) #Value (mathematics) #Window function #Algorithm #Mathematics #Mathematical analysis #Engineering #Telecommunications #Statistics #Artificial intelligence #Spectral density #Image (mathematics)

paper · doi:10.1109/13.485226

openalex publication_date 1996/01/01 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/06/19

Abstract

A simple theoretical derivation for obtaining the Johnson thermal noise formula using window-limited Fourier transforms is presented in detail for the first time, utilizing the well-known energy theorems. In the literature, a diverse range of alternative methods already exist, and the pedagogical value of the Fourier transform approach illustrates useful mathematical principles, taught at the undergraduate level, naturally highlighting a number of physical assumptions that are not always clearly dealt with. We also proceed to survey a number of misconceptions, problems, surprises, and conundrums concerning thermal noise.

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