Macroscopic field - seeking a thorough exposition

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the search for a rigorous exposition of macroscopic electromagnetism (EM) fields, specifically deriving the macroscopic field from the microscopic one. The participants express disappointment with Jackson's treatment of the subject and seek alternative resources. Recommended texts include "Macroscopic Electromagnetism" by Robinson, "Electrodynamics of Continuous Media" by Landau, and "Electrodynamics of Moving Media" by Penfield and Haus, among others. The conversation emphasizes the need for thorough, state-of-the-art references rather than vague or diagrammatic explanations.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of classical electromagnetism principles
  • Familiarity with macroscopic and microscopic field concepts
  • Knowledge of continuous media in electromagnetism
  • Ability to interpret advanced mathematical formulations in physics
NEXT STEPS
  • Research "Macroscopic Electromagnetism" by Robinson for detailed derivations
  • Study "Electrodynamics of Continuous Media" by Landau for insights on continuous media
  • Examine Chapter 3 of Wald's book on electromagnetism for a comprehensive derivation
  • Explore additional references by de Groot for potential contradictions with Robinson's work
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Physicists, graduate students in electromagnetism, and researchers seeking in-depth understanding of macroscopic EM fields and their derivations.

coquelicot
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TL;DR
I'm seeking a thorough exposition of the definition of the macroscopic EM field
Of the classical books about EM, I found that Jackson's is the only one that touches with some rigour the subject of deriving the macroscopic field from the microscopic one.
Unfortunately, I am quite disappointed by the derivation of Jackson.
In the reference he gives, he says that a couple of authors have spent their lives about this subject, but I was unable to find their book.

Do you know a rigorous and thorough exposition of this matter? I am not looking for a vague "diagrammatic" persuasion, but something closer to the state of the art on this subject.
 
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coquelicot said:
TL;DR Summary: I'm seeking a thorough exposition of the definition of the macroscopic EM field

Of the classical books about EM, I found that Jackson's is the only one that touches with some rigour the subject of deriving the macroscopic field from the microscopic one.
Unfortunately, I am quite disappointed by the derivation of Jackson.
In the reference he gives, he says that a couple of authors have spent their lives about this subject, but I was unable to find their book.

Do you know a rigorous and thorough exposition of this matter? I am not looking for a vague "diagrammatic" persuasion, but something closer to the state of the art on this subject.
Maybe this, but it's in German:
https://static.uni-graz.at/fileadmi.../mitter_heinrich/Dokumente/Elektrodynamik.pdf

From p. 126 and 163
 
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Yes, German is a problem for me, but I had a look at the formulae; that seems rather descriptive. I am in doubt this is a thorough exposition of the matter.
 
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These might be of interest
Macroscopic Electromagnetism by Robinson
Electrodynamics of Continuous Media by Landau
A Development of the Equations of Electromagnetism in Material Continua by Tiersten
Electrodynamics of Continua by Eringen and Maugin
Electrodynamics of Moving Media by Penfield and Haus
The Maxwell Equations by de Groot
 
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All of these deal about the topic? or are they just books on EM?
 
None of these are “standard” EM books. They are all focused on continuous media.
I would guess that de Groot and Robinson would be of most interest to you. I believe that there are additional de Groot references that I do not have handy.
 
OK thx. I've already read Landau, and no, it does not contain the deal.
 
I would check out Ch. 3 of Wald's book on electromagnetism. He gives a very nice derivation.
 
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Here's the preface from de Groot
Screenshot 2023-03-12 at 11.42.12 AM.png
 
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  • #10
Here's the preface from Robinson
Screenshot 2023-03-12 at 11.43.46 AM.pngScreenshot 2023-03-12 at 11.44.02 AM.pngScreenshot 2023-03-12 at 11.44.21 AM.pngScreenshot 2023-03-12 at 11.44.37 AM.png
 
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  • #11
Nice ! Robinson seems to be my man, as he writes exactly what I thought in his preface. Groot may be in contradiction with Robinson, that is, he may derive things in the classical erroneous way. But I don't know I have to read to have an opinion.
 
  • #12
De Groot book seems difficult to obtain, do you have a link? :-)
 
  • #13
Sorry. That was a scan from my hard copy.
 

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