How Do You Transform Electromagnetic Dipole Moments When Boosting Orthogonally?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the transformation of electromagnetic dipole moments, specifically how to determine the electric dipole moment when boosting orthogonally to a magnetic dipole moment. Participants explore various methods and theoretical frameworks related to this transformation, including the use of covariant expressions and tensor representations.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about transforming a magnetic dipole moment to find the electric dipole moment when boosting orthogonally, suggesting that using magnetic potential may be tedious.
  • Another participant proposes writing the Lagrangian in terms of dipole moments as a potential approach.
  • A different participant emphasizes starting from covariant expressions, noting that electric and magnetic dipole moment densities form an antisymmetric 2nd-rank tensor in Minkowski space-time, which transforms under Lorentz transformations.
  • One participant expresses appreciation for the tensor approach, indicating it aligns with their search for a solution.
  • A later reply references the magnetization-polarization tensor, suggesting it as a relevant concept in the discussion.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on a single method for transforming dipole moments, and multiple approaches are discussed without resolution of which is preferable.

Contextual Notes

The discussion includes assumptions about the relationship between electric and magnetic fields and their dependence on the dipole moments, but these assumptions are not fully explored or resolved.

kuecken
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I just wondered how I transform electromagnetic dipole moments.
For example assuming I have magnetic dipole moment μ in a frame without E dipole moment. Then I boost orthogonal to μ. Now I would like to determine the electric dipole moment.

I could use the magnetic potential and transform it to the new frame. But this quiet tedious to me.
My second guess was to argue that there is a linear dependence of the magnetic fields on μ.
And the E field in the new frame will also have a linear dependence on B and thus on μ. By looking at the boost component I could also find a relation. But this would assume that I have an electric dipole moment in the new frame.

I just wondered whether there is any easier and more elegant method.
I would be very glad about any advise.
Thank you :D
 
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Just a thought: writing the Lagrangian in terms of moments.
 
It's just better to start from covariant expressions. As the electromagnetic field itself the electric and magnetic dipole moment densities build an antisymmetric 2nd-rank tensor in Minkowski space-time:

M^{\alpha \beta}=\begin{pmatrix}<br /> 0 &amp; P_1 &amp; P_2 &amp; P_3 \\ <br /> -P_1 &amp; 0 &amp; -M_3 &amp; M_2 \\<br /> -P_2 &amp; M_3 &amp; 0 &amp; -M_1 \\<br /> -P_3 &amp; -M_2 &amp; M_1 &amp; 0<br /> \end{pmatrix},
where \vec{P} and \vec{M} are the electric and magnetic dipole density vector fields of the 1+3-dimensional formalism.

They transform under Lorentz transformations as any other 2nd rank tensor components
M&#039;^{\gamma \delta} = {\Lambda^{\gamma}}_{\alpha} {\Lambda^{\delta}}_{\beta} M^{\alpha \beta}.
 
oh really? I was looking for sth like this. that's good thank you!
 
Magnetization-polarization tensor I found it now
 

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