Book Hunt: Statistical Treatment of Macroscopic Maxwell Eqns

In summary: It covers all aspects of the subject and is very up-to-date.In summary, the author is looking for a book on statistical mechanics that deals with de Groot's derivation of the macroscopic Maxwell equations. He recommends The Dielectric Function of Condensed Systems, which is an up-to-date book on the subject.
  • #1
Twigg
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Hello all,

Jackson Ch. 6 (3rd edition) tells the reader to look at de Groot for a statistical mechanical derivation of the macroscopic Maxwell equations. I figure he means "Foundations of Electrodynamics" by S. R. de Groot. I requested that book be sent to my school library on loan, but I was wondering in the meanwhile if anyone is familiar with the subject matter and has alternative sources.

I'm looking for this material for a project. As a final project for my independent study, I am giving a 30 minute talk in which I explain the origin of near-field resonances at subwavelength distances outside a dielectric and paint a clear picture of what happens microscopically, both inside and outside the material. I am focusing my discussion on the content of "Near-Field Spectral Effects due to Electromagnetic Surface Excitations" by A. V. Shchegrov et al, Phys. Rev. Lett. 85, pgs. 1548-51 (2000), which considers thermal currents for source terms. I want to have a slide with the stat. mech. version of Jackson's equation equation 6.96, below in shortened form. By stat. mech. version of this equation, I mean a form in which the averages are done on the ensemble instead of using a spatial kernel.

$$ \langle j_{\alpha}(\vec{x},t) \rangle = J_{\alpha}(\vec{x},t) + \frac{\partial}{\partial t} [D_{\alpha}(\vec{x},t) - E_{\alpha}(\vec{x},t)] + \epsilon_{\alpha \beta \gamma} \partial_{\beta} M_{\gamma}(\vec{x},t) + \partial_{\beta} \langle \Sigma_{n (molecules)} 2(p_{n})_{[ \alpha}(v_{n})_{\beta ]} \delta(\vec{x} - \vec{x_{n}}) \rangle - \frac{1}{6} \partial_{\beta} \partial_{\gamma} \langle \Sigma_{n (molecules)} 2(v_{n})_{[ \gamma}(Q'_{n})_{\alpha ] \beta} \delta(\vec{x} - \vec{x_{n}}) \rangle + ...$$
where ##\vec{j}## is the microscopic current as opposed to the macroscopic current ##\vec{J}##

Thanks in advance!
 
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  • #2
Sorry, but I can find only one copy of "Foundations of Electrodynamics". By S. R. de Groot. available worldwide. From Zubal Books, Cleveland, Ohio. Hardcover, ISBN 0444103708 Publisher: Noord-Hollandsche U.M, 1972. 535 pages. The used book price is AU$380, about US$275, probably because it is rare.

Use; https://www.bookfinder.com It integrates many new and used book suppliers in one search, including Amazon.
Where possible, buy books from Amazon through the PF link to support this forum.
https://www.physicsforums.com/threads/support-pf-buy-on-amazon-com-from-here.473931/
 
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  • #3
I don't think de Groot is still relevant, if it ever was. The assumption, that a macroscopic object is built up from molecules, which can be treated as independent, is simply not correct beyond classical mechanics or diluted gasses. Take also in mind that Jackson wasn't a solid state physicist, so his presentation of electrodynamcis of continua is not as reliable as the rest of his book.
I can recommend
The Dielectric Function of Condensed Systems
edited by L.V. Keldysh,A.A. Maradudin,D.A. Kirzhnitz

especially chapters 1 and 4.
 
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1. What is the purpose of "Book Hunt: Statistical Treatment of Macroscopic Maxwell Eqns"?

The purpose of "Book Hunt: Statistical Treatment of Macroscopic Maxwell Eqns" is to provide a comprehensive guide for understanding and applying statistical methods to solve macroscopic Maxwell equations. This book is aimed at scientists and researchers working in the field of electromagnetism and provides a theoretical foundation and practical examples for using statistical methods in this area.

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3. What topics are covered in "Book Hunt: Statistical Treatment of Macroscopic Maxwell Eqns"?

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4. Is "Book Hunt: Statistical Treatment of Macroscopic Maxwell Eqns" suitable for beginners?

While some background knowledge in electromagnetism and statistics may be helpful, "Book Hunt: Statistical Treatment of Macroscopic Maxwell Eqns" is written in a clear and accessible manner, making it suitable for beginners. It provides a solid foundation for understanding and applying statistical methods to solve macroscopic Maxwell equations.

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