The Fourier-series method for inverting transforms of probability distributions (Q1183689)

The paper reviews the Fourier-series method for calculating cumulative distribution functions and probability mass functions by numerically inverting characteristic functions, Laplace transforms and generating functions. The Fourier-series method can be interpreted as numerically integrating a standard inversion integral by means of the trapezoidal rule. The same formula is obtained by using the Fourier series of an associated periodic function constructed by aliasing; this explains the name of the method. The mathematical centrepiece of the method is the Poisson summation formula, which identifies the discretization error associated with the trapezoidal rule and thus helps bound it. Examples are given to illustrate the procedure.