Satisfying Coulomb Gauge: What are the Conditions for Vector Potential?

Observer Two
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Homework Statement



We study the free electromagnetic field in a charge and current free cubic box with with edge length L and volume V. The vector potential in such a system is given via Fourier series:


Homework Equations



\vec{A}(\vec{r}, t) = \sum\limits_{k} \vec{A}_k(t) e^{i \vec{k} \vec{r}}

With: \vec{k} = 2 \pi \begin{pmatrix} \frac{n_x}{L} \\ \frac{n_y}{L} \\ \frac{n_z}{L} \end{pmatrix}

Question:

Which 2 conditions must \vec{A}_k(t) satisfy so that the Coulomb gauge applies?

The Attempt at a Solution



Coulomb gauge means: \nabla \cdot \vec{A}(\vec{r}, t) = 0

If I didn't miscalculate, \nabla \cdot \vec{A}(\vec{r}, t) = \sum\limits_{k} \vec{A}_k(t) \vec{k} e^{i \vec{k} \vec{r}}

That would mean that the sum of the Fourier coefficients \vec{A}_1(t) + \vec{A}_2(t) + \vec{A}_3(t) + ... must be 0

That would be 1 condition (if I did it correctly to begin with). But what is the second condition?

Any help appriciated.
 
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Observer Two said:
If I didn't miscalculate, \nabla \cdot \vec{A}(\vec{r}, t) = \sum\limits_{k} \vec{A}_k(t) \vec{k} e^{i \vec{k} \vec{r}}

That would mean that the sum of the Fourier coefficients \vec{A}_1(t) + \vec{A}_2(t) + \vec{A}_3(t) + ... must be 0

I don't know about two conditions.

but, transversality (div A=0) says not that the sum of
all of the Fourier components is 0, but instead that for each k
{\bf k} \cdot {\bf A}_{\bf k}(t) = 0.

just brainstorming:
If your original A was real you also have a reality condition that A=A*,
that'll give you another condition but has nothing to do with the Coulomb gauge.
 
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