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Reference.org
Stationary phase approximation
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<p>In <a href="/facts/Mathematics/pxTouaz4">mathematics</a>, the stationary phase approximation is a basic principle of <a href="/facts/Asymptotic_analysis/kt87qLpu">asymptotic analysis</a>, applying to functions given by integration against a rapidly-varying complex exponential. </p><p>This method originates from the 19th century, and is due to <a href="/facts/George_Gabriel_Stokes/7RHJJ5Lj">George Gabriel Stokes</a> and <a href="/facts/Lord_Kelvin/LTIxG1jV">Lord Kelvin</a>. It is closely related to <a href="/facts/Laplace%2527s_method/Hr6YjG6o">Laplace's method</a> and the <a href="/facts/Method_of_steepest_descent/C6E59y70">method of steepest descent</a>, but Laplace's contribution precedes the others. </p>