Relation between spectral intensity and spectral energy density

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  • Thread starter IcedCoffee
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  • #1
IcedCoffee
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TL;DR Summary
How is the following relation between spectral intensity and spectral energy density derived?
In Principles of Lasers by Svelto, while deriving the Planck radiation formula, equation 2.2.3 says $$I_{\nu} = \frac {c_0} {4n} \rho_\nu$$
where ##I_\nu## is the spectral intensity at some hole in the cavity wall (energy per time per area per frequency),
##c_0## is the speed of light in vacuum,
##n## is the refractive index of the medium inside the cavity,
and ##\rho_\nu## is the spectral energy density inside the cavity (energy per volume per frequency).

I understand that in the case of monochromatic wave propagating in one direction, ##I = \frac {c_0} {n} \rho##
since multiplying both sides by ##dt## would give the amount of energy passing through a given area (perpendicular to the direction of propagation),
which must originate from the volume filled with the energy density ##\rho##.

However, in this case, where does the factor of ## \frac 1 4## come from?
 

Answers and Replies

  • #2
IcedCoffee
21
4
Here's a picture:
1616499347556.png


Since the entire cavity is in a steady-state, the energy leaving through the circular hole of radius ##\delta r## per unit time must be equal to the energy crossing the hemisphere ##S_2## per unit time. (I guess we are also saying that the medium does not exist between ##S_2## and the hole?) Now, in time ##dt## such energy must come from the shaded area. Since radiation inside the cavity is not directional like plane wave, only a fraction of energy inside the shaded area will cross the surface ##S_2##.

In such integration, how do I justify the factor 1/4 ?
 
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