Past exam of the mathematics course of the University of Cambridge / 2018 / ii / Paper 1 / 14B / b / Solution

Because $\mathrm{Re}a>0$, the endpoint factor $(1+t^2{)}^a$ vanishes at the branch points $t=\pm i$. A finite contour may therefore run from $-i$ to $i$ on either side of a chosen branch cut; the diagram shows contours bowing through the left and right half-planes.

For $a=1$, $f(t)=1$ is entire, so path independence makes either contour give, up to orientation,Hence a nonzero constant multiple gives the solution