Since we first introduced Fourier analysis in Lecture 7, we have relied heavily on its properties in the analysis and representation of signals and linear, time-
invariant systems. The Fourier transform was developed from the concept of representing signals as a linear combination of basic signals that were chosen
to be eigenfunctions of linear, time-invariant systems. With the eigenfunctions chosen to be the signals e j(t, this representation led to the Fourier transform synthesis equation, and a given LTI system could then be represented by the spectrum of eigenvalues as a function of W, that is, the change in amplitude that the system applies to each of the basic inputs e ".
In this and the next several lectures we introduce a generalization of the Fourier transform, referred to as the Laplace transform. In addition to leading to a number of new insights, the use of the Laplace transform removes
some of the restrictions encountered with the Fourier transform. Specifically, the Laplace transform converges for a broader class of signals than does the
Fourier transform.
The general class of eigenfunctions for LTI systems consists of the com-
plex exponentials es, where s is a complex number. The use of this more general class in place of the complex exponentials e"' leads to the representation of signals and systems in terms of the Laplace transform. The response of an LTI system to a complex exponential of the form est is H(s)est and H(s),
which represents the change in amplitude, is referred to as the system function. As developed in the lecture, H(s) is the Laplace transform of the system impulse response.
The Laplace transform and the Fourier transform are closely related in a number of ways. When s is purely imaginary, i.e., when s =jw, the Laplace transform reduces to the Fourier transform. More generally, the Laplace transform can be viewed as the Fourier transform of a signal after an expo-
nential weighting has been applied. Because of this exponential weighting, the Laplace transform can converge for signals for which the Fourier transform
does not converge. The Laplace transform is a function of a general complex variable s, and
for any given signal the Laplace transform converges for a range of values of s.