Decomposition of the total momentum in a linear dielectric into field and matter components
The long-standing resolution of the Abraham–Minkowski electromagnetic momentum controversy is predicated on a decomposition of the total momentum of a closed continuum electrodynamic system into separate field and matter components. Using a microscopic model of a simple linear dielectric, we derive Lagrangian equations of motion for the electric dipoles and show that the dielectric can be treated as a collection of stationary simple harmonic oscillators that are driven by the electric field and produce a polarization field in response. The macroscopic energy and momentum are defined in terms of the electric, magnetic, and polarization fields that travel through the dielectric together as a pulse of electromagnetic radiation. We conclude that both the macroscopic total energy and the macroscopic total momentum are entirely electromagnetic in nature for a simple linear dielectric in the absence of significant reflections. -- Highlights: •The total momentum in a dielectric is identified by conservation principles. •The total momentum in a dielectric cannot be decomposed into field and matter parts. •A component of momentum in a dielectric is due to motion of the polarization field.
- OSTI ID:
- 22224228
- Journal Information:
- Annals of Physics (New York), Journal Name: Annals of Physics (New York) Vol. 338; ISSN 0003-4916; ISSN APNYA6
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
Electromagnetic momentum and the energy–momentum tensor in a linear medium with magnetic and dielectric properties
The momentum of an electromagnetic wave inside a dielectric