Hidden momentum of electrons, nuclei, atoms and molecules

Abstract

We consider the positions and velocities of electrons and spinning nuclei and demonstrate that these particles harbour hidden momentum when located in an electromagnetic field. This hidden momentum is present in all atoms and molecules, however it is ultimately cancelled by the momentum of the electromagnetic field. We point out that an electron vortex in an electric field might harbour a comparatively large hidden momentum and recognise the phenomenon of 'hidden hidden momentum'.

References in corpus (8)

• Theory and applications of free-electron vortex states
• Angular Momenta and Spin-Orbit Interaction of Nonparaxial Light in Free Space
• Topological spin transport of relativistic electron
• Relativistic electron wave packets carrying angular momentum
• Position, spin and orbital angular momentum of a relativistic electron
• Nondestructive Measurement of Orbital Angular Momentum for an Electron Beam
• Nonuniform currents and spins of relativistic electron vortices in a magnetic field
• Relativistic properties of a molecule: energy, linear momentum, angular momentum and boost momentum to order $1/c^2$

Cited by in corpus (1)

• Hidden momentum in continuous media and the Abraham-Minkowski debate