Complex Variables More on Branch Cuts and Branch Points

How to deal with multi-branch functions? What is a correct branch?

Consider a multi-valued function (C is non integer, z0 is a branch point)

z z0 C eC log z z
0

z0 , C Z

Example: (in polar variables)

z0 0, C

Change for k = 0:

1
:
2

f z z1 2 e1 2 log z e1 2Log r i i 2 k r ei

2 k

; k 0,1

b 2 : f ( z ) r e i 4
: f ( z ) r e i 2 i r

Start : a

0 : f ( z) r ei 0 r

a
: f ( z) r e i 2 i r

Branch cut cross

Continue: b

c
a

3 2
2
3

f z r e i3 4
f z r e i r

f z r e i3 2 i r

Total angle change: 4

Complex Variables
Encirclement of a branch point causes us to move from one branch of a
function to another
In our example:

from z1 2 e1 2 Log z
to

z1 2 e1 2Log z i 2 e1 2 Log z

This is correct for any paths (not just circular). To prevent a proceeding from one
branch to another we can construct a branch cut in the z-plane and agree never to
cross this cut:
The branch cut is regarded as a barrier to encirclement of the branch point
EXAMPLE 1 Consider a branch of z1/2 that is analytic in the domain consisting of the
z-plane less the points on the branch cut y = 0, x < 0. When z = 4, the multi-valued
unction z1/2 equals +2 or -2. Suppose for our branch z1/2 = 2 when z = 4. What value
does this branch assume when

z 9 1 2 i 3 2 ?

12
i 2 k
; k 0,1
Solution. In polar variables: z r e

When z = 4 we take arg z = 0. So: if 41/2 = 2 -> branch: k = 0.

2

Complex Variables
For the Branch: k = 0

z 9 1 2 i 3 2 ?

we should choose

z1 2 9ei 1 2 3 2 3 1 2 i 3 2

and we cannot reach z 9 1 2 i 3 2 by the forbidden path.

For the Branch: k = 1
When with z = 4 we take arg z = 2. So, we go from = 2 to = 2 - 3/2 and:

z1 2 9ei 1 2 2 3 2 i 3 1 2 i 3 2

Again: the derivative should be of the same branch like the function is
d 12
1
1
z 1 2 z 1 2
dz
2
2z

Complex Variables
EXAMPLE 2 For (z - 1)1/3 let a branch cut be constructed along the line y = 0, x 1.
If we select a branch whose value is a negative real number when y = 0, x < 1, what
value does this branch assume when z = 1 + i?

Solution. Polar variables: r1 z 1 , 1 argz 1 so:

z 11 3 3 r1 ei 1 3 2k ,
1

Taking

k 0, 1, 2

y 0, x 0

we have

z 11 3 3 r1 ei 3 2k 3 ,

k 0, 1, 2

This is coming to a negative real if k =1

For z = 1 + i : 1 / 2 r1 1; if k 1

z 11 3 i1 3 3 1 ei 62 3 ei 5 6

3 2i 2
4

Complex Variables
EXAMPLE 3 Consider f(z) = z1/2(z - 1)1/2 .
a) Where are the branch points of the function? Verify that these are branch points
by encircling them and passing from one branch of f(z) to another.

b) Show that if we encircle both branch points we do not pass to a new branch
of f(z).
c) Show some possible choices of branch cut that would prevent passage from
one branch f(z) to another.
Solution.
a) Branch Points:

Is z =1 a branch point for f(z) = z1/2(z - 1)1/2 ?

z1 2 r ei

2 k

f ( z ) z1 2 z 1

12

z 11 2

r1 ei 1

2 m

r r1 ei 1 k m

z1 2 branch point z 0

z 11 2 branch

point z 1

Complex Variables
Let us go around z = 1 with the radius of the encircling :

z 1 1
Start at point a 1 0, r1 , r 1
a

We obtain:

f z a 1 ei k m
Move once around a 1 2 , 0, r1 , r 1

We obtain: We obta
We obtain:

f z a 1 eik 1 m 1 ei k m

ANOTHER BRANCH of f(z)

Complex Variables
b) Show that if we encircle both branch points we do not pass to a new branch
of f(z).
Let us go around z = 0 and z = 1
At a point P
P
arg z , argz 1
and

f z r r1 ei 2k m

After one round move at P :

arg z 2 , argz 1 2
and

f z r r1 ei 2k m 2 r r1 ei 2k m

THE SAME BRANCH of f(z)

Complex Variables
c) Show some possible choices of branch cut that would prevent passage from one
branch f(z) to another.
The following cuts can be used:

Complex Variables
EXAMPLE 4 Suppose we use a branch of f(z) = z1/2(z - 1)1/2 defined with the following
branch cuts:

What is f(-1) if f(1/2) = i/2 ?

Solution.

i 1 2 k m
First: f ( z ) rr1 e

If

arg z 0, r 1 2
z 1/ 2
;
1 arg( z 1) , r1 1 2

So:

f (1 / 2) 1 / 2ei

i
i
ei k m
k m 0,2,4...
2
2
arg z , r 1
z

;
And when:

1 arg( z 1) , r1 2
2 k m

f (1) 2ei0k m 2
9