Alternative formulation of the macroscopic field equations in a linear magneto-dielectric medium: Field equations

Abstract

We derive an alternative formulation of the field equations for macroscopic electromagnetic fields in a linear magneto-dielectric medium as an identity of the Maxwell--Minkowski equations, complementing a variety of other representations including the Ampère, Chu, Lorentz, and Minkowski formulations of continuum electrodynamics. In the new formulation of the macroscopic field equations, the material properties are carried as a renormalization of the temporal and spatial coordinates instead of as independent material constants. The new representation of the field equations raises some interesting physical issues with relativity and boundary conditions.