We prove that, contrary to the common belief, the classical Maxwell electrodynamics of a point-like particle may be formulated as an infinite-dimensional Hamiltonian system. We derive well defined quasi-Hamiltonian which possesses direct physical interpretation being equal to the total energy of the composed (field + particle) system. The phase space of this system is endowed with an interesting symplectic structure. We prove that this structure is strongly non-degenerated and, therefore, enables one to define consistent Poisson bracket for particle's and field degrees of freedom. We stress that this formulation is perfectly gauge-invariant.
Stochastic electrodynamics is the classical electrodynamic theory of interacting point charges which includes random classical radiation with a Lorentz-invariant spectrum whose scale is set by Planck's constant. Here we give a cursory overview of the basic ideas of stochastic electrodynamics, of the successes of the theory, and of its connections to quantum theory.
In this paper we propose an approach to the problem of two body motion in classical electrodynamics that takes into account the electromagnetic radiation and the radiation reaction forces. The resulting differential equations are solved numerically.
In nonrelativistic approximation one-dimensional motion of Sommerfeld sphere in the case of potential barrier is numerically investigated. The effect of classical tunneling is confirmed once more - Sommerfeld sphere overcomes the barrier and finds itself in the forbidden, from classical point of view, area.
The Lagrangians and dissipation functions are proposed for use in the electrodynamics of the double-negative and chiral metamaterials with finite loss. The double-negative metamaterial considered here is the wires and split rings periodic structure, while the chiral metamaterial is the single-resonance helical resonators array. For either system, application of Legendre transformation leads to a Hamiltonian density identical to the energy density obtained in our previous work based on the Poynting theorem and the mechanism of the power loss. This coincidence implies the correctness of the ener…
The time evolution of a charged point particle is governed by a second-order integro-differential equation that exhibits advanced effects, in which the particle responds to an external force before the force is applied. In this paper we give a simple physical argument that clarifies the origin and physical meaning of these advanced effects, and we compare ordinary electrodynamics with a toy model of electrodynamics in which advanced effects do not occur.
We analyze wave propagation in the vacuum of Podolsky regularized electrodynamics. Two kinds of waves were found in the theory: the traditional non-dispersive waves of Maxwell electrodynamics, and a dispersive wave reminiscent of wave propagation in a collisionless plasma. Charged particle concentration was determined, and found to be huge in this vacuum. We interpret the results in terms of vacuum polarization effects induced in an otherwise classical theory.
The general theory for electric current multipoles appearing at the motion of magnetic dipoles and change in these values or orientation has been suggested. Static multipoles, including an anapole, have been studied in detail.
In this paper we express the retarded fields of Maxwell's theory in terms of the instantaneous fields of a Galilei-invariant electromagnetic and we find the vector function whose spatial and temporal derivatives transform the instantaneous fields into the retarded ones. We conclude that the instantaneous fields can formally be introduced as unphysical objects into classical electrodynamics which can be used to find the physical retarded fields.
The concept of gauge invariance in classical electrodynamics assumes tacitly that Maxwell's equations have unique solutions. By calculating the electromagnetic field of a moving particle both in Lorenz and in Coulomb gauge and directly from the field equations we obtain, however, contradicting solutions. We conclude that the tacit assumption of uniqueness is not justified. The reason for this failure is traced back to the inhomogeneous wave equations which connect the propagating fields and their sources at the same time.
Equation of motion of Sommerfeld sphere in the one-dimensional potential hole, produced by two equal charges on some distance from each other, is numerically investigated. Two types of solutions are found: (i) damping oscillations, (ii) oscillations without damping (radiationless motion). Solutions with growing amplitude ("climbing-up-the-wall solution") for chosen initial conditions were not founded.
It is shown that the well-known disparity in classical electrodynamics between the power radiated in electromagnetic fields and the power-loss, as calculated from the radiation reaction on a charge undergoing a non-uniform motion, is successfully resolved when a proper distinction is made between quantities expressed in terms of a "real time" and those expressed in terms of a retarded time. It is shown that the expression for the real-time radiative power loss from a charged particle is somewhat different from the familiar Larmor's formula, or in a relativistic case, from Liénard's formula.
It is shown that the total energy of the static "field + particle" system, defined in the framework of classical, renormalized electrodynamics of particles and fields, depends in an unstable way upon the field boundary data. It is argued that this phenomenon may be also an origin of the unstable dynamical behaviour of the system (i.e. existence of "runaway solutions"). It is proved that a suitable polarization mechanism of the particle restores the stability, at least on the level of statics. Whether or not it restores also the full, dynamical stability of the theory is still an open question.
In the standard Lagrangian and Hamiltonian approach to Maxwell's theory the potentials $A^μ$ are taken as the dynamical variables. In this paper I take the electric field $\vec{E}$ and the magnetic field $\vec{B}$ as the the dynamical variables. I find a Lagrangian that gives the dynamical Maxwell equations and include the constraint equations by using Lagrange multipliers. In passing to the Hamiltonian one finds that the canonical momenta $\vecΠ_E$ and $\vecΠ_B$ are constrained giving 6 second class constraints at each point in space. Gauss's law and $\vec{\nabla}\cdot\vec{B}=0$ can than be a…
In the present work foundations of the law of the energy conservation and the introduction of particles in the classical electrodynamics are discussed. We pay attention to a logic error which takes place at an interpretation of the Poynting's theorem as the law of conservation of energy. It was shown that the laws of conservation of energy and momentum of the system of electromagnetic fields and charged particles does not follow from the equations of electrodynamics and the violation of these laws is displayed at the energy change of particles. Particular examples are considered which make it …
The force due to electromagnetic induction on a test charge is calculated in different reference frames. The Faraday-Lenz Law and different formulae for the fields of a uniformly moving charge are used. The classical Heaviside formula for the electric field of a moving charge predicts that, for the particular spatial configuration considered, the inductive force vanishes in the frame in which the magnet is in motion and the test charge at rest. In contrast, consistent results, in different frames, are given by the recently derived formulae of relativistic classical electrodynamics.
Minkowski spacetime is a convenient setting for the study of the relativistic dynamics of particles and fields in the vacuum. In order to study events that occur in a dielectric or other linear medium, we adopt the familiar continuum assumption of a linear, isotropic, homogeneous, transparent medium of refractive index n filling all space and seek the principle of relativity that applies in the filled spacetime. Applying the Einstein postulates with c/n as the speed of light, we show how the effective signal velocity results in a scaling of the proper time by the refractive index and examine t…
Flaws and ambiguities are pointed out upon examining the comment attempting to solve a problem as raised recently --- the currently accepted formulation of electromagnetic radiation of an accelerated charge violates the principle of conservation of energy. This problem is not solved by the comment, due to a misunderstanding in the meaning of the total radiated power crossing a sphere. An experiment is suggested to determine whether on not the currently accepted formulation is valid.
Standard formulae of classical electromagnetism for the forces between electric charges in motion derived from retarded potentials are compared with those obtained from a recently developed relativistic classical electrodynamic theory with an instantaneous inter-charge force. Problems discussed include small angle Rutherford scattering, Jackson's recent `torque paradox' and circular Keplerian orbits. Results consistent with special relativity are obtained only with an instantaneous interaction. The impossiblity of stable circular motion with retarded fields in either classical electromagnetism…
The dynamic $U (1)$ symmetry of classical electrodynamics without charges, similar to the known phase symmetry of quantum mechanics, is analyzed. Using this symmetry, alternative Lagrangians of classical electrodynamics, similar to quantum-mechanical ones, were found, and their symmetry properties were investigated.
Convergence of the full energy (mass) of point charged particle by means of direct calculation is proved. The consideration is based on the strict solutions of nonlinear equations system of electrostatics and gravistatics in the classical field approach. Analytical calculation in the case of point charge mass of Markov's "Friedmon" M=e/(G^0.5) has confirmed. It is shown that mass defect caused by gravitational interaction leads to degradation of bare (phenomenological) mass and to its full vanishing from a total mass of system in the limit of point particle.
One-dimensional motion of Sommerfeld sphere in the case of potential barrier is numerically investigated. The effect of classical tunneling is found out - Sommerfeld sphere overcomes the barrier and finds itself in the forbidden, from classical point of view, area.
It is shown how point charges and point dipoles with finite self-energies can be accomodated into classical electrodynamics. The key idea is the introduction of constitutive relations for the electromagnetic vacuum, which actually mirrors the physical reality of vacuum polarization. Our results reduce to conventional electrodynamics for scales large compared to the classical electron radius $r_0\approx 2.8\times10^{-13}$ cm. A classical simulation for a structureless electron is proposed, with the appropriate values of mass, spin and magnetic moment.
We report on some conceptual changes in our present understanding of Quantum Field Theory and muse about possible consequences for the understanding of $v>c$ signals.
The following is the very first set of the series in 'Problems and Solutions in a Graduate Course in Classical Electrodynamics'. In each of the sets of the problems we intend to follow a theme, which not only makes it unique but also deals with the investigation of a certain class of problems in a thorough and rigorous manner. Figures are not included.
For the first time a method is devised for non-iterative modeling of motion of a radiating, electrified pointlike mass that has an internal structure. New, supplementary kinetic constants of accelerated charged particles are defined, that can be assessed by analysis of their trajectories in an accelerator.
On simple example is shown that a model of mechanically extended source of radiation in classical electrodynamics indeed has some problems with radiation reaction force. So one cannot, in general case, state, that the present situation with classical dynamics of mechanically extended sources of radiation is "very satisfactory".
The problem of self forces and radiation reaction is solved by conservation of energy methods. The longstanding problem of constant acceleration is solved, and it is shown that the self force does indeed affect the particle's motion, as expected on physical grounds. The relativistic generalization is also presented.
The axiomatic structure of the electromagnetic theory is outlined. We will base classical electrodynamics on (1) electric charge conservation, (2) the Lorentz force, (3) magnetic flux conservation, and (4) on the Maxwell-Lorentz spacetime relations. This yields the Maxwell equations. The consequences will be drawn, inter alia, for the interpretation and the dimension of the electric and magnetic fields.
In classical electrodynamics for rotating with variable angular velocity charged rigid sphere are found: the exact values of electromagnetic fields, the flux of radiating energy and the exact integral equation of rotation including the terms of self-rotation. The analysis of this eq. shows that on one hand, there is no "runaway" solutions, peculiar to the Lorentz-Dirac eq. of radiating point particle, on the other hand, there appear new problems, among them is the nonexistence of solution for some external moments of force.
In this note we show that Jackson's criticism (hep-ph/0203076) of our work "Necessity of simultaneous co-existence of..." is based on an inexact understanding of the basic assumptions and conclusions of our work.
I show that the main statement of [Phys. Rev. Lett. 105, 094802 (2010), arXiv:1005.2617] is wrong. Other inconsistences of this Letter are also discussed.
Equation of motion of Sommerfeld sphere in the field of Coulomb center is numerically investigated. It is shown that contrary to Lorentz-Dirac equation in the attractive case there are physical solutions. In the repulsive case sphere gains less energy then that should be according to relativistic equation of motion of point charge without radiation force.
The region very close to an electron ($r << r_0 = e^2/mc^2 \approx 2.8\times 10^{-13}$ cm) is, according to quantum electrodynamics, a seething maelstrom of virtual electron-positron pairs flashing in and out of existence. To take account of this well-established physical reality, a phenomenological representation for vacuum polarization is introduced into the framework of classical electrodynamics. Such a model enables a consistent picture of classical point charges with finite electromagnetic self-energy. It is further conjectured that the reaction of a point charge to its own electromagneti…
If the conventional Maxwell--Lorentz formulation of classical electrodynamics is adopted in a flat spacetime of arbitrary odd dimension, then the retarded vector potential $A^μ$ generated by a point charge turns out to be pure gauge, $A^μ=\partial^μχ$. By Gauss' law, the charge shows up as zero. The classical electromagnetic coupling is thus missing from odd-dimensional worlds. If the action is augmented by the addition of the Chern--Simons term, then the classical interaction picture in the three-dimensional world becomes nontrivial.
The foundations of QM can find a consistent and exhaustive explanation in a new theoretical context. The Bridge Theory (BT) allows us to justify both classic and quantum electromagnetic phenomenology by using classical concepts. In this paper we review the bases of the BT originating from the role that the transverse component of the Poynting vector plays in localising energy in the neighbourhood of an electromagnetic source and we analyse the quantum implications.
Classical electrodynamics can be based on the conservation laws of electric charge and magnetic flux. Both laws are independent of the metric and the linear connection of spacetime. Within the framework of such a premetric electrodynamics -- provided a local and linear constitutive law of the vacuum is added -- the propagation of electromagnetic waves in the geometric-optics limit can be studied. The wave vectors of the wave fronts obey a quartic extended Fresnel equation. If one forbids birefringence in vacuum, the light cone emerges and Maxwell-Lorentz vacuum electrodynamics can be recovered…
We discuss, in the context of classical electrodynamics with a Lorentz invariant cut-off at short distances, the self-force acting on a point charged particle. It follows that the electromagnetic mass of the point charge occurs in the equation of motion in a form consistent with special relativity. We find that the exact equation of motion does not exhibit runaway solutions or non-causal behavior, when the cut-off is larger than half of the classical radius of the electron.
The energy-impulse flow of electromagnetic field, produced by the arbitrary moving charged particle, through the sphere of large radius is calculated. The result formulae are used in problem of radiation produced by hyperbolically moving particle and the problem of the synchrotron radiation energy loss. The energy-impulse radiated by a moving charged particle is shown to be not an invariant 4-tensor, for this reason calculation methods based on change of reference frame are not correct.
It is shown that the universal Newton time may be introduced in the classical electrodynamics. The statement results from an existence of the generalized symmetry of Maxwell equations with respect to Galilei transformations (physics/9701006). In the case of the extended Galilei transformations the postulate of invariance of the speed of light may be made compatible with the concept of the universal Newton time. Some physical consequences of the extended Galilei symmetry are considered.
It is common in the literature on classical electrodynamics and relativity theory that the transformation rules for the basic electrodynamic quantities are derived from the pre-assumption that the equations of electrodynamics are covariant against these---unknown---transformation rules. There are several problems to be raised concerning these derivations. This is, however, not our main concern in this paper. Even if these derivations are regarded as unquestionable, they leave open the following fundamental question: Are the so-obtained transformation rules indeed identical with the true transf…
It is shown that the well-known procedure for proving the equivalence of the expressions for the electric field calculated using the Lorentz and Coulomb gauges is incorrect. The difference between the two gauges is due to the difference in the speed of propagation of a disturbance of the scalar potential. As an auxiliary result, it is proven that the solution for the electric field cannot be obtained directly from the Maxwell equations, i.e. without introducing the scalar and vector potentials.
We give a concise axiomatic introduction into the fundamental structure of classical electrodynamics: It is based on electric charge conservation, the Lorentz force, magnetic flux conservation, and the existence of local and linear constitutive relations. The {\it inhomogeneous} Maxwell equations, expressed in terms of $D^i$ and $H_i$, turn out to be a consequence of electric charge conservation, whereas the {\it homogeneous} Maxwell equations, expressed in terms of $E_i$ and $B^i$, are derived from magnetic flux conservation and special relativity theory. The excitations $D^i$ and $H_i$, by m…
In this work we substantiate the applying of the Helmholtz vector decomposition theorem (H-theorem) to vector fields in classical electrodynamics. Using the H-theorem, within the framework of the two-parameter Lorentz-like gauge (so called v-gauge), we show that two kinds of magnetic vector potentials exist: one of them (solenoidal) can act exclusively with the velocity of light c and the other one (irrotational) with an arbitrary finite velocity $v$ (including a velocity more than c . We show also that the irrotational component of the electric field has a physical meaning and can propagate e…
A general and rigorous method to deal with singularities at the origin of a polar coordinate system is presented. Its power derives from a clear distinction between the radial distance and the radial coordinate variable, which makes that all delta-functions and their derivatives are automatically generated, and insures that the Gauss theorem is correct for any distribution with a finite number of isolated point-like singularities. The method is applied to the Coulomb field, and to show the intrinsic differences between the dipole and dimonopole fields in classical electrodynamics. In all cases…
It is proved that, according to Classical Mechanics and Electrodynamics, the trajectory of the center of mass of a neutral system of electrical charges can be deflected by an inhomogeneous magnetic field, even if its internal angular momentum is zero. This challenges the common view about the function of the Stern-Gerlach apparatus, as resolving the eigen-states of an intrinsic angular momentum. Doubts are cast also on the supposed failure of Schrodinger's theory to explain the properties of atoms in presence of magnetic fields without introducing spin variables.
The transformation rules for the basic electrodynamical quantities are routinely derived from the hypothesis that the relativity principle (RP) applies for Maxwell's electrodynamics. These derivations leave open several questions: (1) Is the RP a true law of nature for electrodynamical phenomena? (2) Are, at least, the transformation rules of the fundamental electrodynamical quantities, derived from the RP, true? (3) Is the RP consistent with the laws of electrodynamics in one single inertial frame of reference? (4) Are, at least, the derived transformation rules consistent with the laws of el…
In electrostatics, we can use either potential energy or field energy to ensure conservation of energy. In electrodynamics, the former option is unavailable. To ensure conservation of energy, we must attribute energy to the electromagnetic field and, in particular, to electromagnetic radiation. If we adopt the standard energy density for the electromagnetic field, then potential energy seems to disappear. However, a closer look at electrodynamics shows that this conclusion actually depends on the kind of matter being considered. Although we cannot get by without attributing energy to the elect…
We first write down a very general description of nonlinear classical electrodynamics, making use of generalized constitutive equations and constitutive tensors. Our approach includes non-Lagrangian as well as Lagrangian theories, allows for electromagnetic fields in the widest possible variety of media (anisotropic, piroelectric, chiral and ferromagnetic), and accommodates the incorporation of nonlocal effects. We formulate electric-magnetic duality in terms of the constitutive tensors. We then propose a supersymmetric version of the general constitutive equations, in a superfield approach.
The direct interaction theory of electromagnetism, also known as Wheeler-Feynman electrodynamics, is often misinterpreted and found unappealing because of its reference to the absorber and, more importantly, to the so-called absorber condition. Here we remark that the absorber condition is indeed questionable and presumably not relevant for the explanation of irreversible radiation phenomena in our universe. What is relevant and deserves further scrutiny is the emergent effective description of a test particle in an environment. We therefore rephrase what we consider the relevant calculation b…
The Maxwell electromagnetic and the Lorentz type force equations are derived in the framework of the R. Feynman proper time paradigm and the related vacuum field theory approach. The electron inertia problem is analyzed within the Lagrangian and Hamiltonian formalisms and the related pressure-energy compensation principle. The modified Abraham- Lorentz damping radiation force is derived, the electromagnetic electron mass origin is argued.
A simple mathematical procedure is introduced which allows redefining in an exact way divergent integrals and limits that appear in the basic equations of classical electrodynamics with point charges. In this way all divergences are at once removed without affecting the locality and the relativistic covariance of the theory, and with no need for mass renormalization. The procedure is first used to obtain a finite expression for the electromagnetic energy-momentum of the system. We show that the relativistic Lorentz-Dirac equation can be deduced from the conservation of this electromagnetic ene…
