A solution to the fundamental linear fractional order differential equation.

This paper provides a solution to the fundamental linear fractional order differential equation, namely, cdtqx(t) + ax(t) = bu(t). The impulse response solution is shown to be a series, named the F-function, which generalizes the normal exponential function. The F-function provides the basis for a qth order "fractional pole". Complex plane behavior is elucidated and a simple example, the inductor terminated semi-infinite lossy line, is used to demonstrate the theory.