Axiomatic Geometrical Optics, Abraham-Minkowski Controversy, and Photon Properties Derived Classically
Authors: L.Y. Dodin and N.J. Fisch
Abstract:
By restating geometrical optics within the eld-theoretical approach, the classical concept of a
photon in arbitrary dispersive medium is introduced, and photon properties are calculated unambiguously.
In particular, the canonical and kinetic momenta carried by a photon, as well as the
two corresponding energy-momentum tensors of a wave, are derived straightforwardly from rst
principles of Lagrangian mechanics. The Abraham-Minkowski controversy pertaining to the de nitions
of these quantities is thereby resolved for linear waves of arbitrary nature, and corrections to
the traditional formulas for the photon kinetic quantities are found. An application of axiomatic
geometrical optics to electromagnetic waves is also presented as an example.
__________________________________________________
Submitted to: Physical Review Letters (May 2012)
__________________________________________________
Download PPPL-4769 (pdf 722 KB 16 pp)
__________________________________________________