On the energy-momentum tensor of light in strong fields : an all optical view of the Abraham-Minkowski controversy

MacLeod, Alexander J. and Noble, Adam and Jaroszynski, Dino A.; Jaroszynski, Dino, ed. (2017) On the energy-momentum tensor of light in strong fields : an all optical view of the Abraham-Minkowski controversy. In: Relativistic Plasma Waves and Particle Beams as Coherent and Incoherent Radiation Sources II. Proceedings of SPIE . Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers, CZE. ISBN 9781510609693 (https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2269630)

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Abstract

The Abraham-Minkowski controversy is the debate surrounding the "correct" form of the energy-momentum tensor of light in a medium. Over a century of theoretical and experimental studies have consistently produced conflicting results, with no consensus being found on how best to describe the influence of a material on the propagation of light. It has been argued that the total energy-momentum tensor for each of the theories, which includes both wave and material components, are equal. The difficulty in separating the full energy-momentum tensor is generally attributed to the fact that one cannot obtain the energy-momentum tensor of the medium for real materials. Non-linear electrodynamics provides an opportunity to approach the debate from an all optical set up, where the role of the medium is replaced by the vacuum under the influence of a strong background field. We derive, from first principles, the general form of the energy-momentum tensor in such theories, and use our results to shed some light on this long standing issue.

ORCID iDs

MacLeod, Alexander J., Noble, Adam ORCID logoORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8181-7076 and Jaroszynski, Dino A. ORCID logoORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3006-5492; Jaroszynski, Dino
  • Item type:Book Section
    ID code:60901
    Dates:
    Date
    Event
    15 May 2017
    Published
    15 May 2017
    Accepted
    Notes:MacLeod, A. J., Noble, A., & Jaroszynski, D. A. (2017). On the energy-momentum tensor of light in strong fields: an all optical view of the Abraham-Minkowski controversy. In D. Jaroszynski (Ed.), Relativistic Plasma Waves and Particle Beams as Coherent and Incoherent Radiation Sources II. [102340F] (Proceedings of SPIE; Vol. 10234). Bellingham, Washington: Society of Photo-optical Instrumentation Engineers (SPIE). DOI: 10.1117/12.2269630 Copyright (2017) Society of Photo Optical Instrumentation Engineers (SPIE). One print or electronic copy may be made for personal use only. Systematic reproduction and distribution, duplication of any material in this publication for a fee or for commercial purposes, or modification of the contents of the publication are prohibited.
    Subjects:Science > Physics > Optics. Light
    Department:Faculty of Science > Physics
    Technology and Innovation Centre > Advanced Science and Technology
    Depositing user: Pure Administrator
    Date deposited:12 Jun 2017 08:34
    Last modified:14 Nov 2024 01:21
    Related URLs:
    URI:https://strathprints.strath.ac.uk/id/eprint/60901
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