Abstract
Maxwell's macroscopic equations combined with a generalized form of the Lorentz law of force are a complete and consistent set of equations. Not only are these five equations fully compatible with special relativity, they also conform with conservation laws of energy, momentum, and angular momentum. We demonstrate consistency with the conservation laws by showing that, when a beam of light enters a magnetic dielectric, a fraction of the incident linear (or angular) momentum pours into the medium at a rate determined by the Abraham momentum density, E×H/c2, and the group velocity Vg of the electromagnetic field. The balance of the incident, reflected, and transmitted momenta is subsequently transferred to the medium as force (or torque) at the leading edge of the beam, which propagates through the medium with velocity Vg. Our analysis does not require "hidden" momenta to comply with the conservation laws, nor does it dissolve into ambiguities with regard to the nature of electromagnetic momentum in ponderable media. The linear and angular momenta of the electromagnetic field are clearly associated with the Abraham momentum, and the phase and group refractive indices (np and ng) play distinct yet definitive roles in the expressions of force, torque, and momentum densities.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 14821-14835 |
Number of pages | 15 |
Journal | Optics Express |
Volume | 16 |
Issue number | 19 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Sep 15 2008 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Atomic and Molecular Physics, and Optics