A signal, f(t) = $${e^{ - at}}$$ u(t), where u(t) is the unit step function, is applied to the input of a low-pass filter having $$\left| {H(\omega )} \right| = {b \over {\sqrt {{\omega ^2} + {b^2}} }}$$.

Calculate the value of the ratio, $${a \over b}$$, for which 50% of the input signal energy is transferred to the output.