Evolutionary view of Maxwell theory

Evert Jan Post

doi:10.1117/12.390568

30 June 2000 Evolutionary view of Maxwell theory

Evert Jan Post

Proceedings Volume 4097, Complex Mediums; (2000) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.390568
Event: International Symposium on Optical Science and Technology, 2000, San Diego, CA, United States

Abstract

This paper is a description of a verifiable work recipe, it is not an ab initio justification. The optical realm of waves straddles two superimposed media: one matter-free space, the other diffracting material media. Descriptions, initially restricted to isotropic media, soon accounted for anisotrophy and its ensuring birefringence. Subsequently, nonreciprocity, helicity and time reversal asymmetry manifested themselves in e.g., Fresnel-Fizeau- and Faraday effects, natural optical rotation, Sagnac effect (inertial reference sensor); all are to be included in a general description. The constitutive elements of six effects unite in a valency four tensor, leading to a universal wave equation, which retains validity for general coordinates. The use of holonomic references holds a key to such a description. Since the metric field emerges as a constitutive agent of vacuum, a metric-free rendition of the Maxwell equations is a sine qua non for separating field- and constitutive description. Submitted to this principle of constitutive separation, Schrodinger's equation interestingly reveals itself as describing ensembles of identical systems not single systems.

Citation Download Citation

Evert Jan Post "Evolutionary view of Maxwell theory", Proc. SPIE 4097, Complex Mediums, (30 June 2000); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.390568

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