Electrodynamics of massless charged particles

Journal Article · Sun Feb 15 04:00:00 EST 2015 · Journal of Mathematical Physics

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.4906813· OSTI ID:22403109

Lechner, Kurt ^[1]

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1. Dipartimento di Fisica e Astronomia, Università degli Studi di Padova, Padova, Italy and INFN, Sezione di Padova, Via F. Marzolo, 8, 35131 Padova (Italy)

We derive the classical dynamics of massless charged particles in a rigorous way from first principles. Since due to ultraviolet divergences this dynamics does not follow from an action principle, we rely on (a) Maxwell’s equations, (b) Lorentz- and reparameterization-invariance, and (c) local conservation of energy and momentum. Despite the presence of pronounced singularities of the electromagnetic field along Dirac-like strings, we give a constructive proof of the existence of a unique distribution-valued energy-momentum tensor. Its conservation requires the particles to obey standard Lorentz equations and they experience, hence, no radiation reaction. Correspondingly, the dynamics of interacting classical massless charged particles can be consistently defined, although they do not emit bremsstrahlung end experience no self-interaction.

• OSTI ID: 22403109
• Journal Information: Journal of Mathematical Physics, Journal Name: Journal of Mathematical Physics Journal Issue: 2 Vol. 56; ISSN JMAPAQ; ISSN 0022-2488
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS
GENERAL PHYSICS
BREMSSTRAHLUNG
CHARGED PARTICLES
ELECTRODYNAMICS
ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELDS
ENERGY-MOMENTUM TENSOR
PARTICLES
ULTRAVIOLET DIVERGENCES