Can the four potential be fixed?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the determination of the four potential in electromagnetic theory, specifically through the integration of Lienard-Wiechert potentials and the application of gauge conditions. The gauge transformations discussed include A'=A+(e/c)∇χ and φ'=\phi+(∂χ/∂t), where χ is a scalar field. The conversation highlights the use of Green functions to derive potentials and raises questions about the uniqueness of the four potential when integrating contributions from all charges in space-time. The implications of gauge-fixing techniques in quantum field theory (QFT) are also considered.

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  • Understanding of electromagnetic theory and potentials
  • Familiarity with Lienard-Wiechert potentials
  • Knowledge of gauge transformations in electromagnetism
  • Basic concepts of Green functions in physics
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  • Research the derivation and applications of Lienard-Wiechert potentials
  • Study gauge-fixing techniques in quantum field theory (QFT)
  • Explore the role of Green functions in solving electromagnetic problems
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This discussion is beneficial for theoretical physicists, graduate students in electromagnetism, and researchers interested in quantum field theory and gauge invariance.

USeptim
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Hello,

It’s well know that there are some gauge conditions that permit different potential fields to generate the same EM fields, this gauge conditions are:

A'=A+(e/c)∇χ
\phi'=\phi+(∂χ/∂t)

Where χ is any scalar field.

However, it’s also possible to get the potentials at some point integrating the four currents in the space through a Green function and adding a term due the fields in the boundary of the integration region (if this region is infinite, only radiated fields remain as long as charges are confined to some region).

This is well explained at this link:
http://www.phy.duke.edu/~rgb/Class/Electrodynamics/Electrodynamics/node148.html

Without discussing the ways to close the contour, in the next section (node149), the Lienard-Wiechert potentials are derived from the “upwards” contour Green function, and then it comes my qüestion:

Can the “fixed” four potential of a point be determined integrating the Lienard-Wiechert potentials caused by all the charges in the space-time plus a term due to the radiated field in the far past? Or there is some trick or caveat in this approach?

I wonder if it can be determined how can be used techniques as gauge-fixing in QFT which perhaps might affect the evolution of the system…



Sergio
 
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Thank you Greg. In fact I rewrote the question in a new thread named "Can four-potential be uniquely defined?" that has been answered helpfully.

The Lienard-Wiechert potential is the green function for the Lorentz gauge election but others gauges would lead to another Green functions.Sergio
 

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