Covariant Maxwell Equations in Materials

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the covariant Maxwell equations in materials, specifically seeking additional formulations beyond a given equation. Participants explore references and the complexities involved in the equations as they relate to physical parameters in materials.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant asks for sources of the covariant Maxwell equations in materials and provides a specific equation they have verified.
  • Another participant mentions difficulty finding the equations in Landau's book and expresses frustration with a Wikipedia article on the topic.
  • One reply suggests "Foundations of Electrodynamics" by P. Moon and D. E. Spencer as a source, noting that the situation becomes complex due to the skewing of physical parameters like permittivity and permeability when accommodating Lorentz Transformation.
  • A later reply reiterates the suggestion of the same book but mentions challenges in accessing it, prompting a request for alternative sources.
  • Another participant recommends "Formal Structure of Electromagnetics" as a potential resource for insight.
  • One participant posits that the sought equation may be identical to the equation in vacuum but notes that the original equation appears specialized, applicable only in linear electrodynamics of non-chiral materials, and overlooks spatial dispersion, suggesting that these topics are well covered in Landau's book.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the accessibility and clarity of the covariant Maxwell equations in materials, with no consensus on a definitive source or formulation. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the specific equations sought.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include potential missing assumptions in the equations discussed, the dependence on definitions of physical parameters, and unresolved complexities related to spatial dispersion and material properties.

EsPg
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Hi everybody,

I have this simple question. ¿Where can I find the covariant maxwell equations in materials?. I've already one and proved they correctly represent the non-homogene maxwell equations, is this one

\partial_{\nu}F^{\nu\mu}+\Pi^{\mu\nu}A_{\nu}=J^{\mu}_{libre}

with the tensor defined as

\Pi_{\mu\nu}&=\chi_e(\eta_{\mu\nu}\partial^2 -\partial^{\mu}\partial^{\mu})-\de{\chi_e+\frac{\chi_m}{1+\chi_m}}\eta_{\mu l}\eta_{\nu m}(\delta_{lm}\bigtriangledown^2-\partial_{l}\partial_{m})

I need the other one. Thanks!
 
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¿Nobody? I've been checking Landau's book but i can't find them :'(. There's a Wikipedia article but it's all messed,maybe after this and on vacation I fix it.
 
They're described and analyzed here: "Foundations of Electrodynamics" by P. Moon and D. E. Spencer.

But the whole situation becomes extremely messy as most every physical parameter including permittivity and permeability becomes skewed due to the attempt to accommodate the Lorentz Transformation.
 
PhilDSP said:
They're described and analyzed here: "Foundations of Electrodynamics" by P. Moon and D. E. Spencer.

But the whole situation becomes extremely messy as most every physical parameter including permittivity and permeability becomes skewed due to the attempt to accommodate the Lorentz Transformation.

Thanks. The problem is that i haven't been able to check that book, it's neither in the library nor online. ¿Any other place?
 
You may be able to get some insight from Post's "Formal Structure of Electromagnetics".
 
I think the other one is identically equal to the equation in vacuo.
However, your equation does seem to be rather specialized. E.g. , a splitting into chi_e and chi_m seems only to be true in linear electrodynamics of non-chiral materials. Furthermore, it neglects spatial dispersion. All is discussed very well in the book of Landau.
 

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