Backwards on Minkowski's road. From 4D to 3D Maxwellian electromagnetism

DOI10.1002/ANDP.200810317zbMATH Open1180.78011arXiv0807.2625OpenAlexW1984533384MaRDI QIDQ3539883FDOQ3539883

Authors: Yakov Itin, Yaakov Friedman 

Publication date: 19 November 2008

Published in: Annalen der Physik (Search for Journal in Brave)

Abstract: Minkowski's concept of a four-dimensional physical space is a central paradigm of modern physics. The three-dimensional Maxwellian electrodynamics is uniquely generalized to the covariant four-dimensional form. Is the (1+3) decomposition of the covariant four-dimensional form unique? How do the different sign assumptions of electrodynamics emerge from this decomposition? Which of these assumptions are fundamental and which of them may be modified? How does the Minkowski space-time metric emerge from this preliminary metric-free construction? In this paper we are looking for answers to the problems mentioned. Our main result is the derivation of four different possible sets of electrodynamic equations which may occur in different types of isotropic electromagnetic media. The wave propagation in each of these media is described by the Minkowskian optical metrics. Moreover, the electric and magnetic energies are nonnegative in all cases. We also show that the correct directions of the Lorentz force (as a consequence of the Dufay and the Lenz rules) hold true for all these cases. However, the differences between these four types of media must have a physical meaning. In particular, the signs of the three electromagnetic invariants are different.

Full work available at URL: https://arxiv.org/abs/0807.2625

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zbMATH Keywords

classical electrodynamicspositivity of energymetric of spacetimeLenz's rulesignature of metricmetamaterials.

Mathematics Subject Classification ID

Electromagnetic theory (general) (78A25) Special relativity (83A05) Einstein's equations (general structure, canonical formalism, Cauchy problems) (83C05)

Cites Work

• Title not available (Why is that?)
• Foundations of classical electrodynamics. Charge, flux, and metric

Cited In (4)

• Maxwell's equations in Minkowski's world: their premetric generalization and the electromagnetic energy-momentum tensor
• Space-time orientations and Maxwell's equations
• Is the Lorentz signature of the metric of spacetime electromagnetic in origin?
• Electromagnetism in Euclidean four space: A discussion between God and the Devil

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