 Heat-kernel solution

For initial data $u_0$ on the real line, Fourier transformation or convolution with the fundamental solution gives

For a bounded function $u_0$, the convolution is well defined at every positive time because the heat kernel has integral one. The error-function diffusion front uses a Heaviside step function initial condition and gives one smoothed interface. The heat equation with interval-indicator initial data instead has two interfaces; subtracting their two error functions produces the finite-interval profile.