Jackson Electrodynamics problem 9.8a

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on solving Jackson's Electrodynamics problem 9.8a, which requires demonstrating that a classical oscillating electric dipole radiates electromagnetic angular momentum at a specific rate. The formula derived for the rate of angular momentum radiation is given by dL/dt = (k^3)/(12πε₀) Im[p* × p]. Key concepts include the dipole fields as described in equation (9.18) and the electromagnetic momentum density defined in equation (6.118). The solution involves integrating the angular momentum density over a spherical shell to find the total angular momentum radiated to infinity.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of classical electrodynamics principles, particularly electromagnetic radiation.
  • Familiarity with dipole fields as described in Jackson's Electrodynamics.
  • Knowledge of the Poynting vector and its application in calculating electromagnetic momentum density.
  • Ability to perform vector calculus, particularly in spherical coordinates.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of dipole radiation formulas in Jackson's Electrodynamics, particularly sections related to oscillating dipoles.
  • Learn about the time-averaged Poynting vector and its significance in electromagnetic theory.
  • Explore the concept of angular momentum density in electromagnetic fields and its implications in radiation theory.
  • Review integration techniques in spherical coordinates, especially for fields radiating to infinity.
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for graduate students in physics, particularly those studying electrodynamics, as well as researchers and educators involved in teaching electromagnetic theory and its applications.

andrew1982
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Homework Statement


9.8a) Show that a classical oscillating eletric dipole p with fields given by (9.18) radiates electromagnetic angular momentum to infinity at the rate
<br /> \frac{d\mathbf{L}}{dt}=\frac{k^3}{12\pi\epsilon_0}\textrm{Im}[\mathbf{p^*\times p}]<br />
Hint: The electromagnetic angular momentum density comes from more than the transverse (radiation zone) components of the field.

Homework Equations


Dipole fields (9.18):
<br /> \mathbf{H}=\frac{ck^2}{4\pi}(\mathbf{n\times p}) \frac{e^{ikr}}{r}(1-\frac{1}{ikr})<br />
<br /> \mathbf{E}=\frac{1}{4\pi \epsilon_0}(k^2\mathbf{(n\times p)\times n} \frac{e^{ikr}}{r}+(3\mathbf{n(n\cdot p)-p})(\frac{1}{r^3}-\frac{ik}{r^2})e^{ikr})<br />
(n is the unit vector in direction x)

Electromagnetic momentum density (6.118)
<br /> \mathbf{g}=\frac{1}{c^2}(\mathbf{E\times H})<br />

The Attempt at a Solution


So I guess the angular momentum density is
<br /> \mathbf{x\times g}<br />
which with the fields in (9.18) simplifies to
<br /> \frac{ik^2}{8\pi^2 \epsilon_0}\mathbf{(n\cdot p)(n \times p^*)}(\frac{k}{r^2}+\frac{1}{ikr^4})<br />
if I use the complex Poynting vector
<br /> \mathbf{E\times H^*}.<br />
From here I'm not sure how to continue. This is the angular momentum density (per volume). If I integrate it over the whole space I get the total angular momentum, not only the part radiated to infinity. Since it is per volume I will not get the right dimension if I do as for the power radiated to infinity (integrate the Poynting vector over a spherical surface, radius R, and let R->infinity). What integration should I do?

I tried to integrate only the part prop. 1/r^2 (since I guess the other part will not "reach infinity") over a sphere with radius R and got
<br /> \mathbf{L}=\frac{ik^3}{6 c \pi \epsilon_0}(\mathbf{p^*\times p})R<br />

This looks similar to the answer, but will diverge in the limit R->inf. I also don't see how to take the time derivative of this. If I use the complex Poynting vector (which I guess I should?) the complex exponentials containing the (harmonic) time dependence will cancel.

Any hint would be appreciated!
 
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Hi
thanks a lot for the link! Very useful website :)

Ok, so my understanding after reading this solution is that the electromagnetic angular momentum that is radiated to infinity in time dt is contained in a spherical shell with radius r->inf. and thickness dr=c dt. So dL/dt is obtained by integrating the angular momentum density over this shell volume and "dividing" by dt.

Furthermore, I should use the time-averaged Poynting vector 1/2 ExH*, since the answer in fact is the average flow of angular momentum to infinity.

Is this understanding correct? Thanks again.
 

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