A Generalized Lerche-Newberger Formula

Abstract: The Lerche-Newberger formula simplifies harmonic sums of Bessel functions and has seen application in plasma physics and frequency modulated quantum systems. In this paper, we rigorously prove the formula and extend the classical result to a family of multi-dimensional extensions of the single variable Bessel functions called generalized Bessel functions. Since prevailing definitions of these functions do not accommodate arbitrary complex order, we use an auxiliary family of functions called generalized Anger functions and show that the single-variable result holds in multiple dimensions for a certain selection of parameters. We conclude by applying these results to physical systems.