DOCSLIB.ORG

An Introduction to Relativistic Electrodynamics Part I: Calculus with 4-Vectors and 4-Dyadics

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
An Introduction to Relativistic Electrodynamics Part I: Calculus with 4-Vectors and 4-Dyadics An introduction to relativistic electrodynamics Part I: Calculus with 4-vectors and 4-dyadics Jonas Larsson¦ Department of Physics, Ume˚aUniversity, SE-901 87 Ume˚a,Sweden Karl Larsson: Department of Mathematics and Mathematical Statistics, Ume˚aUniversity, SE-901 87 Ume˚a,Sweden (Dated: October 22, 2018) The conventional way of introducing relativity when teaching electrodynamics is to leave Gibbs’ vector calculus for a more general tensor calculus. This sudden change of formalism can be quite problematic for the students and we therefore in this two-part paper consider alternate approaches. In this Part I we use a simplified tensor formalism with 4-vectors and 4-dyadics (i.e., second order tensors built by 4-vectors) but with no tensors of higher order than two. This allows for notations in good contact with the coordinate-free Gibbs’ vector calculus that the students already master. Thus we use boldface notations for 4-vectors and 4-dyadics without coordinates and index algebra to formulate Lorentz transformations, Maxwell’s equations, the equation of the motion of charged particles and the stress-energy conservation law. By first working with this simplified tensor for- malism the students will get better prepared to learn the standard tensor calculus needed in more advanced courses. I. INTRODUCTION electromagnetic field tensor happens to be just of order two is it possible to postpone the use of index algebra to In a first course in electrodynamics, on the level of say more advanced courses. Griffith’s textbook1, the mathematical formalism is es- Instead, since the students are confident with vector sentially Gibbs’ vector calculus with one exception; the calculus, it is beneficial to keep in contact with that for- chapter on relativistic electrodynamics. There new math- malism. The students also have some basic knowledge ematics seems to be needed and instead of the coordinate- of abstract linear algebra with its axiomatic structure as free language with bold face letters for vector fields one well as matrix algebra. This knowledge may be used in now uses coordinates, matrices and tensor calculus with a more efficient way than is usually the case. index algebra. This change of formalism causes problems The Minkowski vector space M is easily defined ax- 3 for many students. As Hestenes states:2 iomatically in the language of abstract linear algebra. The space M is then a 4D real vector space with some Einstein’s special theory of relativity has been additional structure. From a mathematical point of view incorporated into the foundations of theoreti- this is a simple construction but from a physical point cal physics for the better part of a century, yet of view it implies the loss of the concepts of absolute it is still treated as an add-on in the physics time and simultaneity. This causes considerable prob- curriculum. Even today, a student can get a lems since our intuitive understanding of time turns out Ph.D. in physics with only superficial knowl- to be wrong. In this case simple mathematics may help edge of relativity theory and its import. I us to deal correctly with a strange reality. Basic linear submit that this sorry state of affairs is due, algebra is certainly within the curriculum of most stu- to a large part, to serious language barriers. dents studying relativistic electrodynamics so it is a bit The standard tensor algebra of relativity the- surprising that this rigorous but elementary formulation ory so differs from ordinary vector algebra of special relativity is not explicitly included in most in- that it amounts to a new language for stu- troductory textbooks.4,5 dents to learn. The appearance of 4-by-4 matrices in relativity sig- The solution suggested by Hestenes is to use a differ- nals the use of linear transformations in terms of coordi- ent mathematical language built on the Clifford algebra nates. In fact, the wish to represent linear transforma- tions without using coordinates motivated Gibbs to in- STA (Spacetime Algebra) and thus avoiding tensor calcu- 6 lus. This (very radical) suggestion is outside the scope of troduce dyadics in his vector algebra. Dyadics are math- the present paper and instead we consider the option to ematically speaking second order tensors in a notation make the transition to tensor calculus in smaller steps. that fits in with usual vector algebra. However, dyadics The tensor calculus used in relativity generalizes stan- have largely disappeared from modern textbooks. The dard vector calculus in many different ways and we must reason for this is perhaps that they are considered obso- avoid introducing too many new ideas at once. It is for lete, being just a special case of general tensors. This is example not necessary to start with tensor index alge- unfortunate because it promotes the use of unnecessar- bra. Actually, the index calculus is needed for dealing ily complicated notations when introducing relativistic with tensors of higher order than two and because the electrodynamics. 2 The problem with dyadics (like the problem with ma- of all 4-vectors that are orthogonal to the observer. The K trices) is that they may not be used when tensors of order space e0 is 3D and spacelike. It inherits from the space- three or higher are required. Attempts to generalize the time geometry exactly the structure of an Euclidean ori- dyadic formalism to such situations have not been very ented space, i.e., all structure we need to construct the K successful. However, in situations where we can manage usual Gibbs’ vector calculus. No coordinates on e0 are in without higher order tensors, the dyadic notation has ad- principle needed in this process. The linear algebra lan- vantages. It is easy to grasp, it is free from indices and guage make this observer-dependent split of spacetime more obviously geometric and actually quite perfect for into space and time mathematically clear in an elemen- introducing special relativity and relativistic electrody- tary way and should increase the students’ understanding namics. of this fundamental structure of special relativity. We start by defining the mathematical structure of the In summary, the relativistic structure of electrodynam- usual 3D space in terms of linear algebra.7 For students ics may be described as follows. First we may deal with with a first standard course in linear algebra this should spacetime as a geometric unity without the need for any cause no problems since only very basic and elementary observer or coordinates. The equations for the world line concepts from linear algebra are used. Furthermore we of a charged particle and the Maxwell’s equations may be presume just about everyone have our usual 3D space as given in such a spacetime geometric form. However, our geometric model when concepts like vector spaces, lin- understanding of spacetime much depend on a split into ear independence of vectors, linear transformations and separate time and space. This split is achieved by the in- so on are considered. Some simple dyadic notations are troduction of some observer e0. By introducing e0 into introduced and exemplified with rotations. our spacetime geometric equations we find the dynami- Next we generalize from 3D space to 4D spacetime. An cal equation for a charged particle as well as Maxwell’s advantage with the linear algebra approach is that we equations in their standard space geometric form on the K naturally get similar mathematical formulations for both 3D space e0 of the observer. space and spacetime. Our good understanding of space This paper is organized as follows. In Section II the now makes it easier to get confidence in the spacetime linear algebra formulation of usual 3D space is presented, theory. Also of importance is the fact that the linear al- some dyadic notation is introduced and the rotations of gebra formulation of special relativity is quite elementary space are considered. Section III deals with the corre- and conceptually simple. This is a most welcome feature sponding linear algebra formulation for 4D spacetime. when we try to understand the so unintuitive spacetime The observer e0 and the associated spacetime split is where the concepts of simultaneity and universal time considered. The world-line concept is defined and we have been lost. check that our observer concept corresponds to iner- In usual 3D vector calculus we write formulas in tial observers by demonstrating that different observers coordinate-free geometric form using boldface notations moves with constant velocity with respect to each other. for vector fields. Many times we can both in the deriva- Dyadics for spacetime are introduced and (active) proper tions and in the formulation of results gain clarity by orthochronous Lorentz transformations of spacetime are avoiding the use of coordinates. 3D space is treated as defined in close analogy with rotations in ordinary space. a geometric unity with spatial derivatives in the form of It is shown that an observer may express any proper grad, div and curl operators. Time appears as a real pa- orthochronous Lorentz transformation as a rotation fol- rameter. In the calculus of spacetime we like to treat lowed by a boost. spacetime as a geometric unity. The equation for the In Section IV coordinates and matrices are introduced. world line of a charged particle as well as Maxwell’s Up to this section the presentation is coordinate free, equations may be written in such a geometric spacetime this in order to make the geometric nature of the the- form. No observer or coordinates are necessary in these ory evident. However the theory needs numbers since at equations.8 some point experimental numbers should be compared However, while we all have a good understanding of with theoretic predictions.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • On the Covariant Representation of Integral Equations of the Electromagnetic Field
    On the covariant representation of integral equations of the electromagnetic field Sergey G. Fedosin PO box 614088, Sviazeva str. 22-79, Perm, Perm Krai, Russia E-mail: [email protected] Gauss integral theorems for electric and magnetic fields, Faraday’s law of electromagnetic induction, magnetic field circulation theorem, theorems on the flux and circulation of vector potential, which are valid in curved spacetime, are presented in a covariant form. Covariant formulas for magnetic and electric fluxes, for electromotive force and circulation of the vector potential are provided. In particular, the electromotive force is expressed by a line integral over a closed curve, while in the integral, in addition to the vortex electric field strength, a determinant of the metric tensor also appears. Similarly, the magnetic flux is expressed by a surface integral from the product of magnetic field induction by the determinant of the metric tensor. A new physical quantity is introduced – the integral scalar potential, the rate of change of which over time determines the flux of vector potential through a closed surface. It is shown that the commonly used four-dimensional Kelvin-Stokes theorem does not allow one to deduce fully the integral laws of the electromagnetic field and in the covariant notation requires the addition of determinant of the metric tensor, besides the validity of the Kelvin-Stokes theorem is limited to the cases when determinant of metric tensor and the contour area are independent from time. This disadvantage is not present in the approach that uses the divergence theorem and equation for the dual electromagnetic field tensor.
    [Show full text]
  • Electromagnetic Particles Guy Michel Stephan
    Electromagnetic particles Guy Michel Stephan To cite this version: Guy Michel Stephan. Electromagnetic particles. 2017. hal-01446417 HAL Id: hal-01446417 https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-01446417 Preprint submitted on 2 Feb 2017 HAL is a multi-disciplinary open access L’archive ouverte pluridisciplinaire HAL, est archive for the deposit and dissemination of sci- destinée au dépôt et à la diffusion de documents entific research documents, whether they are pub- scientifiques de niveau recherche, publiés ou non, lished or not. The documents may come from émanant des établissements d’enseignement et de teaching and research institutions in France or recherche français ou étrangers, des laboratoires abroad, or from public or private research centers. publics ou privés. Electromagnetic particles. G.M. St´ephan 26, Chemin de Quo Vadis 22730, Tregastel email : [email protected] 25 janvier 2017 R´esum´e The covariant derivative of the 4-components electromagnetic potential in a flat Minkowski space- time is split into its antisymmetric and symmetric parts. While the former is well known to describe the electromagnetic field, we show that the latter describes the associated particles. When symmetry principles are applied to the invariants in operations of the Poincar´egroup, one finds equations which describe the structure of the particles. Both parts of the tensor unify the concept of matter-wave duality. Charge and mass are shown to be associated to the potential. 1 Introduction. When Born and Infeld published their work[1] on the foundations of non linear electromagnetism in the year 1934, their aim was to describe the electron and more generally the physical world from a purely electromagnetic theory.
    [Show full text]
  • Electromagnetic Forces and Internal Stresses in Dielectric Media
    PHYSICAL REVIEW E 85, 046606 (2012) Electromagnetic forces and internal stresses in dielectric media Winston Frias* and Andrei I. Smolyakov Department of Physics and Engineering Physics, University of Saskatchewan, 116 Science Place Saskatoon, SK S7N 5E2, Canada (Received 16 August 2011; revised manuscript received 26 January 2012; published 23 April 2012) The macroscopic electromagnetic force on dielectric bodies and the related problem of the momentum conservation are discussed. It is argued that different forms of the momentum conservation and, respectively, different forms of the force density, correspond to the different ordering in the macroscopic averaging procedure. Different averaging procedures and averaging length scale assumptions result in expressions for the force density with vastly different force density profiles which can potentially be detected experimentally by measuring the profiles of the internal stresses in the medium. The expressions for the Helmholtz force is generalized for the dissipative case. It is shown that the net (integrated) force on the body in vacuum is the same for Lorentz and Helmholtz expressions in all configuration. The case of a semi-infinite medium is analyzed and it is shown that explicit assumptions on the boundary conditions at infinity remove ambiguity in the force on the semi-infinite dielectric. DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevE.85.046606 PACS number(s): 03.50.De I. INTRODUCTION This article is organized as follows. In Sec. II, the problem of the momentum exchange and the force is explored from Electromagnetic forces on charged particles result in an the microscopic point of view. In Sec. III, the Abraham and overall force imparted on a body that is called radiation Minkowski expressions for the momentum and the stress (ponderomotive) pressure.
    [Show full text]
  • The Energy-Momentum Tensor of Electromagnetic Fields in Matter
    The energy-momentum tensor of electromagnetic fields in matter Rodrigo Medina1, ∗ and J Stephany2, † 1Centro de F´ısica, Instituto Venezolano de Investigaciones Cient´ıficas, Apartado 20632 Caracas 1020-A, Venezuela. 2Departamento de F´ısica, Secci´on de Fen´omenos Opticos,´ Universidad Sim´on Bol´ıvar,Apartado Postal 89000, Caracas 1080-A, Venezuela. In this paper we present a complete resolution of the Abraham-Minkowski controversy about the energy-momentum tensor of the electromagnetic field in matter. This is done by introducing in our approach several new aspects which invalidate previous discussions. These are: 1)We show that for polarized matter the center of mass theorem is no longer valid in its usual form. A contribution related to microscopic spin should be considered. This allows to disregard the influencing argument done by Balacz in favor of Abraham’s momentum which discuss the motion of the center of mass of light interacting with a dielectric block. 2)The electromagnetic dipolar energy density −P · E contributes to the inertia of matter and should be incorporated covariantly to the the energy- momentum tensor of matter. This implies that there is also an electromagnetic component in matter’s momentum density given by P × B which accounts for the diference between Abraham and Minkowski’s momentum densities. The variation of this contribution explains the results of G. B. Walker, D. G. Lahoz and G. Walker’s experiment which until now was the only undisputed support to Abraham’s force. 3)A careful averaging of microscopic Lorentz’s force results in the µ 1 µ αβ unambiguos expression fd = 2 Dαβ ∂ F for the force density which the field exerts on matter.
    [Show full text]
  • Formulation of Energy Momentum Tensor for Generalized Fields of Dyons
    Formulation of Energy Momentum Tensor for Generalized fields of dyons Gaurav Karnatak∗, P. S. Bisht∗, O. P. S. Negi∗ November 26, 2016 ∗Department of Physics Kumaun University S. S. J. Campus Almora-263601(Uttarakhand) India Email- [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Abstract The energy momentum tensor of generalized fields of dyons and energy momentum conservation laws of dyons has been developed in simple, compact and consistent manner. We have obtained the Maxwell’s field theory of energy momentum tensor of dyons (electric and magnetic) of electromagnetic field, Poynting vector and Poynting theorem for generalized fields of dyons in a simple, unique and consistent way. Keywords: Dyons, Electromagnetic fields, Energy-momentum tensor, Poynting vector. 1 Introduction The concept of the energy-momentum tensor in classical field theory has a long history, especially in Ein- stein’s theory of gravity [1]. The energy-momentum tensor combines the densities and flux densities of energy and momentum of the fields into one single object. The problem of giving a concise definition of this object able to provide the physically correct answer under all circumstances, for an arbitrary Lagrangian field theory on an arbitrary space-time background, has puzzled physicists for decades. The classical field theory with space-time translation invariance has a conserved energy-momentum tensor [1, 2]. The classical Lagrangian in constructing the energy-momentum tensor, like the canonical energy-momentum tensor was noticed long ago. The question is based on the Noethern theorem, according to which a field theory with space-time translation invariance has a conserved energy-momentum tensor.
    [Show full text]
  • On Electromagnetic Duality
    On Electromagnetic Duality Thomas B. Mieling Faculty of Physics, University of Vienna Boltzmanngasse 5, 1090 Vienna, Austria (Dated: November 14, 2018) CONTENTS III. DUAL TENSORS I. Introduction 1 This section introduces the notion of dual ten- sors, whose proper treatment requires some famil- II. Conventions 1 iarity with exterior algebra. Readers unfamiliar with this topic may skip section III A, since sec- III. Dual Tensors 1 tion III B suces for the calculations in the rest of A. The Hodge Dual 1 the paper, except parts of the appendix. B. The Complex Dual of Two-Forms 2 IV. The Free Maxwell-Field 2 A. The Hodge Dual V. General Duality Transformations 3 For an oriented vector space V of dimension VI. Coupled Maxwell-Fields 3 n with a metric tensor, the Hodge star opera- tor provides an isomorphism between the k-vectors VII. Applications 4 n − k-vectors. In this section, we discuss the gen- eral denition in Euclidean and Lorentzian vector VIII. Conclusion 5 spaces and give formulae for concrete calculations in (pseudo-)orthonormal frames. A. Notes on Exterior Algebra 6 The metric tensor g on V induces a metric tensor on ^kV (denoted by the same symbol) by bilinear B. Collection of Proofs 7 extension of the map References 8 g(v1 ^ · · · ^ vk; w1 ^ · · · ^ wk) = det(g(vi; wj)): If the metric on V is non-degenerate, so is g on I. INTRODUCTION ^kV . Let w be a k-vector. For every n − k-vector In abelian gauge theories whose action does not v the exterior product v ^ w is proportional to depend on the gauge elds themselves, but only the unit n-vector Ω, since ^nV is one-dimensional.
    [Show full text]
  • True Energy-Momentum Tensors Are Unique. Electrodynamics Spin
    True energy-momentum tensors are unique. Electrodynamics spin tensor is not zero Radi I. Khrapko∗ Moscow Aviation Institute, 125993, Moscow, Russia Abstract A true energy-momentum tensor is unique and does not admit an addition of a term. The true electrodynamics’ energy-momentum tensor is the Maxwell-Minkowski tensor. It cannot be got with the Lagrange formalism. The canonical energy-momentum and spin tensors are out of all relation to the physical reality. The true electrodynamics’ spin tensor is not equal to a zero. So, electrodynamics’ ponderomotive action comprises a force from the Maxwell stress tensor and a torque from the spin tensor. A gauge non-invariant expression for the spin tensor is presented and is used for a con- sideration of a circularly polarized standing wave. A circularly polarized light beam carries a spin angular momentum and an orbital angular momentum. So, we double the beam’s angular momentum. The Beth’s experiment is considered. PACS: 03.05.De Keywords: classical spin; electrodynamics; Beth’s experiment; torque 1 An outlook on the standard electrodynamics The main points in the electrodynamics are an electric current four-vector density jα and elec- tromagnetic field which is described by a covariant skew-symmetric electromagnetic field tensor αβ αµ βν Fµν , or by a contravariant tensor F = Fµν g g (α, ν, . = 0, 1, 2, 3, or = t, x, y, z). The four-vector density jα comprises a charge density and an electric current three-vector density: jα = j0 = ρ, ji (i, k, . =1, 2, 3, or = x, y, z). gαµ = g00 =1, gij = δij .
    [Show full text]
  • The Procedure of Finding the Stress-Energy Tensor And
    Advanced Studies in Theoretical Physics Vol. 8, 2014, no. 18, 771 - 779 HIKARI Ltd, www.m-hikari.com http://dx.doi.org/10.12988/astp.2014.47101 The Procedure of Finding the Stress-Energy Tensor and Equations of Vector Field of Any Form Sergey G. Fedosin Sviazeva Str. 22-79, Perm, 614088 Perm region, Russian Federation Copyright © 2014 Sergey G. Fedosin. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Abstract A method allowing us to introduce into the Lagrangian the terms, which characterize an arbitrary vector field of a system, is described. As a result of applying the principle of least action it becomes possible to find all the main characteristics of this field, including its energy and momentum, field equations, force of interaction with the matter. Keywords: Four-potential; pressure field; acceleration field; field equations. 1. Introduction The field concept is widely used not only in the gravitation theory but also in other physical theories. Further we will consider the properties of vector fields in four-dimensional space. The main characteristic of the electromagnetic vector field is the 4-potential A , A , where c is the speed of light, and A denote the scalar and c vector potentials, respectively. If the system contains a set of particles, each of which generates its own potential, then the potentials and A of the system of particles depend mainly on the general system parameters – the dimensions of the system, the total charge, etc.
    [Show full text]
  • CIUFOLINI & WHEELER: Gravitation and Inertia Is
    COPYRIGHT NOTICE: CIUFOLINI & WHEELER: Gravitation and Inertia is published by Princeton University Press and copyrighted, (c) 1996, by Princeton University Press. All rights reserved. This text may be used and shared in accordance with the fair-use provisions of US copyright law, and it may be archived and redistributed in electronic form, provided that this entire notice is carried and provided that Princeton University Press is notified and no fee is charged for access. Archiving, redistribution, or republication of this text on other terms, in any medium, requires the consent of Princeton University Press. For COURSE PACK PERMISSIONS, refer to entry on previous menu. For more information, send e-mail to [email protected] The Bartlett Press, Inc. ciufolin 4:00 p.m. 6 iii 1995 · · 2 Einstein Geometrodynamics If Einstein gave us a geometric account of motion and gravity, if according to his 1915 and still-standard geometrodynamics spacetime tells mass how to move and mass tells spacetime how to curve, then his message requires mathematical tools to describe position and motion, curvature and the action of mass on curvature. The tools (see the mathematical appendix) will open the doorways to the basic ideas—equivalence principle, geometric structure, field equation, equation of motion, equation of geodesic deviation—and these ideas will open the doorways to more mathematical tools—exact solutions of Einstein’s geometrodynamics field equation, equations of conservation of source, and the principle that the boundary of a boundary is zero. The final topics in this chapter—black holes, singularities, and gravitational waves— round out the interplay of mathematics and physics that is such a central feature of Einstein’s geometrodynamics.
    [Show full text]
  • On the Local Extension of Killing Vector Fields in Electrovacuum Spacetimes
    On the local extension of Killing vector fields in electrovacuum spacetimes Elena Giorgi May 28, 2019 Abstract We revisit the problem of extension of a Killing vector field in a spacetime which is solution to the Einstein-Maxwell equation. This extension has been proved to be unique in the case of a Killing vector field which is normal to a bifurcate horizon in [9]. Here we generalize the extension of the vector field to a strong null convex domain in an electrovacuum spacetime, inspired by the same technique used in [6] in the setting of Ricci flat manifolds. We also prove a result concerning non-extendibility: we show that one can find local, stationary electrovacuum extension of a Kerr-Newman solution in a full neighborhood of a point of the horizon (that is not on the bifurcation sphere) which admits no extension of the Hawking vector field. This generalizes the construction in [6] to the electrovacuum case. 1 Introduction In (pseudo)-Riemannian manifolds, Killing vector fields are generators of local isometries. They therefore play a major role in the description of the symmetries of the manifold. In addition, in Mathematical General Relativity the identification of Killing vector fields in spacetimes veryfing the Einstein equation is closely related to the no-hair theorem for black holes. Neverthless, the problem of extension of Killing vector fields in (pseudo)-Riemannian manifolds can be stated independently of its applications to General relativity (see Section 1.1 of Introduction for a summary of the relation with the problem of rigidity of black holes). The main purpose of the present paper is to address some aspects of the following problem.
    [Show full text]
  • Quaternion Electromagnetism and the Relation with Two-Spinor Formalism
    universe Article Quaternion Electromagnetism and the Relation with Two-Spinor Formalism In Ki Hong 1 and Choong Sun Kim 1,2,* 1 Department of Phyics and IPAP, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Korea; [email protected] 2 Institute of High Energy Physics, Dongshin University, Naju 58245, Korea * Correspondence: [email protected] Received: 26 April 2019; Accepted: 28 May 2019; Published: 3 June 2019 Abstract: By using complex quaternion, which is the system of quaternion representation extended to complex numbers, we show that the laws of electromagnetism can be expressed much more simply and concisely. We also derive the quaternion representation of rotations and boosts from the spinor representation of Lorentz group. It is suggested that the imaginary “i” should be attached to the spatial coordinates, and observe that the complex conjugate of quaternion representation is exactly equal to parity inversion of all physical quantities in the quaternion. We also show that using quaternion is directly linked to the two-spinor formalism. Finally, we discuss meanings of quaternion, octonion and sedenion in physics as n-fold rotation. Keywords: quaternion; electromagnetism; representation theory; Cayley-Dickson algebra; special relativity; twistor theory 1. Introduction There are several papers claiming that the quaternion or the octonion can be used to describe the laws of classical electromagnetism in a simpler way [1–6]. However, they are mainly limited to describing Maxwell equations. Furthermore, the meaning of quaternion and the reasons electromagnetic laws can be concisely described by them have not been well discussed up to now. Here, we list more diverse quaternion representations of the relations in electromagnetism than previously known and we introduce a new simpler notation to express quaternions.
    [Show full text]
  • Analogues of Gravity-Induced Instabilities in Anisotropic Metamaterials
    PHYSICAL REVIEW RESEARCH 2, 013281 (2020) Analogues of gravity-induced instabilities in anisotropic metamaterials Caio C. Holanda Ribeiro * and Daniel A. Turolla Vanzella † Instituto de Física de São Carlos, Universidade de São Paulo, Caixa Postal 369, 13560-970, São Carlos, São Paulo, Brazil (Received 27 November 2019; accepted 11 February 2020; published 9 March 2020) In the context of field theory in curved space-times, it is known that suitable background space-time geometries can trigger instabilities of fields, leading to exponential growth of their (quantum and classical) fluctuations, a phenomenon called vacuum awakening in the quantum context, which in some classical scenarios seeds spontaneous scalarization or vectorization. Despite its conceptual interest, an actual observation in nature of this effect is uncertain since it depends on the existence of fields with appropriate masses and couplings in strong-gravity regimes. Here, we propose analogues for this gravity-induced instability based on nonlinear optics of metamaterials which could, in principle, be observed in laboratory. DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevResearch.2.013281 I. INTRODUCTION spin-1 fields through appropriate nonminimal couplings [18] and, in analogy with the scalar case, the stabilization pro- The influence of a background material medium on the cess was termed “spontaneous vectorization.” To the best of propagation of mechanic and electromagnetic waves is well our knowledge, condensed-matter and optical analogues of known to be formally analogous to that of an effective curved these gravity-induced instabilities have not been proposed space-time geometry. This idea was first presented, in the to this date. In this work, we propose and explore possible electromagnetic context, by Gordon in 1923 [1] and it has analogues of gravity-induced instabilities in the context of since been developed in a number of different scenarios, par- electromagnetism in polarizable and magnetizable anisotropic ticularly after Unruh’s [2] and Visser’s [3] works on acoustic (meta)materials.
    [Show full text]