An algorithm for exponential integrals of real order (Q2277759)

The authors present a composite algorithm for the evaluation of the exponential integral function of real order, \(E_ s(x)=\int^{\infty}_{1}e^{-tx}t^{-s}dt,\) \(x>0\), \(s\in R\). Their method is essentially based on the recurrence relation \(E_ s(x)=[e^{- x}-sE_{s+1}(x)]/x,\) starting from different series representations for \(x<1\) or \(x\geq 1\). Numerical examples are given.