Relativistic analysis of the dielectric Einstein box: Abraham, Minkowski and total energy-momentum tensors
arXiv:1103.1654 · doi:10.1016/j.physleta.2011.03.015
Abstract
We analyse the "Einstein box" thought experiment and the definition of the momentum of light inside matter. We stress the importance of the total energy-momentum tensor of the closed system (electromagnetic field plus material medium) and derive in detail the relativistic expressions for the Abraham and Minkowski momenta, together with the corresponding balance equations for an isotropic and homogeneous medium. We identify some assumptions hidden in the Einstein box argument, which make it weaker than it is usually recognized. In particular, we show that the Abraham momentum is not uniquely selected as the momentum of light in this case.
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- Can the Abraham Light Momentum and Energy in a Medium Constitute a Lorentz Four-Vector?
- Hidden momentum and the Abraham-Minkowski debate
- von Laue's Theorem and Its Applications
- Relativistic Lagrangian model of a nematic liquid crystal interacting with an electromagnetic field
- Symmetric energy-momentum tensor: The Abraham form and the explicitly covariant formula
- Decomposition of the Total Electromagnetic Momentum in a Linear Dielectric into Field and Matter Components
- Covariant jump conditions in electromagnetism
- Plane wave in a moving medium and resolution of the Abraham-Minkowski debate by the special principle of relativity
- Disproof of a widely-accepted mathematical conjecture
- Remarks on the Abraham-Minkowski problem, from the formal and from the experimental side
- Optical force laws for guided light in linear media