Reconstruction of macroscopic Maxwell equations. A single susceptibility theory. (Q984490)

This book-monograph deals with interesting and intriguing problems encountered in standard derivations of macroscopic Maxwell equations from microscopic description of material systems. In such derivations, the author critically points out some basic logical inconsistencies related to non-uniqueness in distinguishing the true electric charges and conduction currents from the related quantities induced in a material medium as a response to the external electromagnetic fields. In this sense, the author shows that these effects are mutually correlated and can be described by a unique susceptibility tensor that includes both the magnetic and electric polarizations rather than assuming two separate susceptibilities as commonly done in the literature. The new approach of derivation the macroscopic Maxwell and quantum-mechanical constitutive equations presented in this book is based on the theory of microscopic optical response with application of the low wavelength approximation. The whole subject of the book is divided into five chapters that include an introductory information on standard derivations of Maxwell equations, the reason why this procedure has to be reconsidered, an outline of the microscopic non-local response theory and the long wavelength approximation utilized in derivation of a new macroscopic susceptibility, and discussions of the obtained results with respect to further physical considerations and mathematical details.