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

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the conditions necessary for the vector potential \(\vec{A}(\vec{r}, t)\) to satisfy the Coulomb gauge in a free electromagnetic field within a cubic box of edge length \(L\). The primary condition established is that the divergence of the vector potential must equal zero, represented mathematically as \(\nabla \cdot \vec{A}(\vec{r}, t) = 0\). Additionally, it is concluded that for each Fourier component, the condition \(\mathbf{k} \cdot \mathbf{A}_{\mathbf{k}}(t) = 0\) must hold, ensuring transversality. A reality condition, \(\vec{A} = \vec{A}^*\), is also mentioned but is not directly related to the Coulomb gauge.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of vector calculus, specifically divergence operations.
  • Familiarity with Fourier series and their application in physics.
  • Knowledge of electromagnetic theory, particularly the concept of vector potentials.
  • Basic grasp of gauge theories in electromagnetism.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the implications of the Coulomb gauge in electromagnetic theory.
  • Learn about the mathematical properties of Fourier series in the context of vector fields.
  • Explore the concept of transversality in vector potentials and its physical significance.
  • Investigate the reality condition of vector potentials and its applications in quantum field theory.
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for physicists, particularly those specializing in electromagnetism, graduate students studying gauge theories, and researchers focusing on vector potentials in theoretical physics.

Observer Two
Messages
24
Reaction score
0

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.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
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.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K