Orbital and Spin Angular momentum of light derivation

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on deriving the angular momentum of light, specifically the equation $$\vec{J}(\vec{x}, t) = \frac{1}{4\pi c}\int -i A_i(\vec{x},t)\vec{L}E_i(\vec{x},t) + \vec{E}(\vec{x},t) \times \vec{A}(\vec{x},t) d\vec{x}$$, where $$\vec{L} = -ir \times \nabla$$ and $$\vec{A}$$ is the vector potential in radiation gauge. Participants express confusion regarding the assumptions of finite field extension and the application of partial integration. Key points include the necessity of understanding vector calculus identities and the implications of the Coulomb gauge, where $$\nabla \cdot \vec{E} = 0$$. The discussion highlights the importance of clarity in mathematical notation and the integration process.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electromagnetic theory, specifically the momentum of electromagnetic fields.
  • Familiarity with vector calculus, including vector identities and partial integration.
  • Knowledge of radiation gauge conditions and their implications on vector potentials.
  • Proficiency in using mathematical notation for vector fields and integrals.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the application of partial integration in vector calculus.
  • Learn about the properties and implications of the Coulomb gauge in electromagnetic theory.
  • Explore vector calculus identities relevant to electromagnetic fields, such as the triple product expansion.
  • Investigate the derivation of angular momentum in electromagnetic fields and its physical significance.
USEFUL FOR

Students and researchers in physics, particularly those focusing on electromagnetism, vector calculus, and the mathematical foundations of light's angular momentum. This discussion is beneficial for anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of the mathematical derivations in electromagnetic theory.

calculo2718
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Homework Statement


The momentum carried by an electromagnetic field is [;\vec{P}(\vec{x}, t) = \frac{1}{4\pi c} \int d\vec{x}\vec{E}(\vec{x},t) \times \vec{B}(\vec{x},t);]

show that for a finite field extension
[;\vec{J}(\vec{x}, t) = \frac{1}{4\pi c}\int -i A_i(\vec{x},t)\vec{L}E_i(\vec{x},t) + \vec{E}(\vec{x},t) \times \vec{A}(\vec{x},t) d\vec{x};] where [;\vec{J};] is the angular momentum, [;L = -ir \times \nabla;], and [;\vec{A};] is the vector potential in radiation gauge, i.e. [;A^0 = 0;] and [;\nabla \cdot \vec{A} = 0;] (hint: using partial integration)

Homework Equations


coulomb gauge [;\vec{B} = \nabla \times \vec{A};]

The Attempt at a Solution


There are some things in the wording in the problem that I do not understand so I am making some assumptions that may not even be true.

1) Finite field extension means that the field does NOT go to infinite so [;\nabla \cdot \vec{E} = 0;]
2) The subscripts in the [;-i A_i(\vec{x},t)\vec{L}E_i(\vec{x},t);] represents a sum.
3) I have no clue what partial integration is.
[;\int \vec{x} \times (\vec{E} \times \vec{B}) d\vec{x};]
[;\int \vec{x} \times (\vec{E} \times (\nabla \times \vec{A})) d\vec{x};]
using triple product expansion
[;\int \vec{x} \times (\nabla(\vec{E} \cdot \vec{A}) - \vec{A}(\vec{E}\cdot \nabla)) d\vec{x};]
distributing the [;\vec{x} \times;]
[;\int \vec{x} \times \nabla(\vec{E} \cdot \vec{A}) - \vec{x} \times \vec{A}(\vec{E}\cdot \nabla) d\vec{x};]

This is where I get stuck. If I assume that [;\nabla \cdot \vec{E} = 0;], I have no idea where to get the [;\vec{E} \times \vec{A};] term in the answer I am supposed to get. If I don't assume that, I try to expand my [;\nabla(\vec{E} \cdot \vec{A});] term using some vector identity the [;\nabla \cdot \vec{E};] cancels anyway and I simply get the equation in my second line of work.

My gut tells me that I missing something having to do with this "partial integration" business. I have googled this and I get it as an alternative term to integration by parts or as integrating a partial derivative. If I am to integrate by parts, what am I integrating by parts? I don't have a product of two functions I have different vector products of different vector fields. If I am supposed to integrate some partial derivative, which one? I have so many!

please help, thanks!
 
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Your TeX formulas get displayed properly if you enclose them in $$ or ## (inline mode). Currently they are hard to read.
 
mfb said:
Your TeX formulas get displayed properly if you enclose them in $$ or ## (inline mode). Currently they are hard to read.
I can't seem to edit the post so I am re-posting here.

Homework Statement


The momentum carried by an electromagnetic field is $$\vec{P}(\vec{x}, t) = \frac{1}{4\pi c} \int d\vec{x}\vec{E}(\vec{x},t) \times \vec{B}(\vec{x},t)$$

show that for a finite field extension
$$\vec{J}(\vec{x}, t) = \frac{1}{4\pi c}\int -i A_i(\vec{x},t)\vec{L}E_i(\vec{x},t) + \vec{E}(\vec{x},t) \times \vec{A}(\vec{x},t) d\vec{x}] where $\vec{J}$$ is the angular momentum, $$L = -ir \times \nabla$, and [\vec{A}$$ is the vector potential in radiation gauge, i.e. $$A^0 = 0$$ and $$\nabla \cdot \vec{A} = 0$$ (hint: using partial integration)

Homework Equations


coulomb gauge $$\vec{B} = \nabla \times \vec{A}$$

The Attempt at a Solution


There are some things in the wording in the problem that I do not understand so I am making some assumptions that may not even be true.

1) Finite field extension means that the field does NOT go to infinite so $$\nabla \cdot \vec{E} = 0$$
2) The subscripts in the $$-i A_i(\vec{x},t)\vec{L}E_i(\vec{x},t)$$ represents a sum.
3) I have no clue what partial integration is.
$$\int \vec{x} \times (\vec{E} \times \vec{B}) d\vec{x}$$
$$\int \vec{x} \times (\vec{E} \times (\nabla \times \vec{A})) d\vec{x}$$
using triple product expansion
$$\int \vec{x} \times (\nabla(\vec{E} \cdot \vec{A}) - \vec{A}(\vec{E}\cdot \nabla)) d\vec{x}$$
distributing the $$\hat{x}\times$$
$$\int \vec{x} \times \nabla(\vec{E} \cdot \vec{A}) - \vec{x} \times \vec{A}(\vec{E}\cdot \nabla) d\vec{x}$$

This is where I get stuck. If I assume that $$\nabla \cdot \vec{E} = 0$$, I have no idea where to get the $$\vec{E} \times \vec{A}$$ term in the answer I am supposed to get. If I don't assume that, I try to expand my $$\nabla(\vec{E} \cdot \vec{A})$$ term using some vector identity the $$\nabla \cdot \vec{E}$$ cancels anyway and I simply get the equation in my second line of work.

My gut tells me that I missing something having to do with this "partial integration" business. I have googled this and I get it as an alternative term to integration by parts or as integrating a partial derivative. If I am to integrate by parts, what am I integrating by parts? I don't have a product of two functions I have different vector products of different vector fields. If I am supposed to integrate some partial derivative, which one? I have so many!

please help, thanks!
 

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