Fractional calculus for distributions

Abstract

Fractional derivatives and integrals for measures and distributions are reviewed. The focus is on domains and co-domains for translation invariant fractional operators. Fractional derivatives and integrals interpreted as -convolution operators with power law kernels are found to have the largest domains of definition. As a result, extending domains from functions to distributions via convolution operators contributes to far reaching unifications of many previously existing definitions of fractional integrals and derivatives. Weyl fractional operators are thereby extended to distributions using the method of adjoints. In addition, discretized fractional calculus and fractional calculus of periodic distributions can both be formulated and understood in terms of -convolution.