How Does the Derivative Term Arise in the Commutator of Electromagnetic Fields?

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the derivation of the derivative term in the commutator of electromagnetic fields, specifically the expression ##[E_{x \perp}(r),B_y(r')] = -i (\hbar/\epsilon_0) \partial_z \delta(r - r')##. The key formulas for the transverse electric and magnetic fields are provided, with emphasis on the role of the unit vector ##\epsilon_i## and the wave vector ##\kappa_i##. The participant seeks clarification on the origin of the ##\partial_z## term, suggesting a connection to Fourier transforms and the properties of the electromagnetic field quantization.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electromagnetic field theory
  • Familiarity with quantum mechanics and commutation relations
  • Knowledge of Fourier transform properties
  • Basic concepts of wave vectors and their significance in physics
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of commutation relations in quantum field theory
  • Explore the role of Fourier transforms in quantum mechanics
  • Investigate the quantization of electromagnetic fields
  • Learn about the significance of delta functions in field theory
USEFUL FOR

Physicists, graduate students in quantum mechanics, and researchers in electromagnetic theory seeking to deepen their understanding of commutation relations and field quantization.

naima
Gold Member
Messages
936
Reaction score
54
I start from these formulas(transverse electric and magnetic fields)
## E_\perp(r) = \Sigma_i i \mathscr E_{\omega_i}\epsilon_i [\alpha_i e^{i k_i . r}- \alpha^\dagger_i e^{-i k_i . r}]##
and
##B(r) = \Sigma_i i(1/c) \mathscr E_{\omega_i}(\kappa_i \times \epsilon_i) [\alpha_i e^{i k_i . r}- \alpha^\dagger_i e^{-i k_i . r}]##
where epsilon is a unit vector orthogonal to ##\kappa_i = k_i/|k_i|##.
The authors compute their commutator and write it as
##[E_{x \perp}(r),B_y(r')] = -i (\hbar/\epsilon_0) \partial_z \delta(r - r')##

I do not see where this ##\partial_z## comes from.
Have you an idea?

Is it related to FT(f'(z)) = i k FT(f(k))
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
I think that the solution is closer.
As ##\mathscr(E)_{\omega_i} = \sqrt{\frac{\hbar \omega_i}{2 \epsilon_0 L}}## and ##h \omega_i = |k_i| c##
I get in the commutator a ##-1/ \epsilon_0## and the ##|k_i|## disappears in ##\kappa_i## and i come closer to a "i z FT(f(z)" term.
Help will be appreciated!
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K