ED Formulas

Symbol Convention%

ημν=diag(1,+1,+1,+1)

Consequently, the invariant spacetime interval is given by ds2=c2dt2+dx2+dy2+dz2=dτ2.

KK:xα=Λ  βαxβ

For x-axis boost (where K moves with velocity ve^x relative to K), the transformation matrix Λ is:

Λ  βα=[γγβγβγ11]

1 Preparatory Math.

1.1 Vector and tensor analysis (Euclidean geometry)

1.1.1 Basics

δij=e^ie^j,ϵijk=(e^i×e^j)e^ke^i×e^j=ϵijke^k ϵlmndetA3×3=ϵijkAilAjmAkn=ϵijkAliAmjAnkdetA3×3=16ϵijkϵlmnAilAjmAknordetA3×3=ϵijkAi1Aj2Ak3=ϵijkA1iA2jA3k ϵijkϵimn=δjmδknδjnδkm,ϵijkϵijn=2δkn,ϵijkϵijk=3!=6

More generally*

ϵijkϵlmn=det(δilδimδinδjlδjmδjnδklδkmδkn)

and for high-dimensional case, we have generalized Kronecker delta

ϵi1i2inϵj1j2jn=det(δi1j1δi1j2δi1jnδi2j1δi2j2δi2jnδinj1δinj2δinjn)δi1i2inj1j2jn Ai=det(R)RijAi,RO(3) Tij=T(ij)+T[ij]=Tij+Tji2+TijTji2 A:BAijBji=tr(AB)

1.1.2 Cross & dot product

a(b×c)=b(c×a)=c(a×b) a×(b×c)=baccabor(b×c)×a=cabbac (a×b)(c×d)=(ac)(bd)(ad)(bc) aTb=(aT)b=a(Tb)aT×b=(aT)×b=a(T×b)a×T×b=(a×T)×b=a×(T×b) ω×I=I×ω=(0ω3ω2ω30ω1ω2ω10)ΩΩij=ϵikjωkω×v=Ωv, vRn

1.1.3

Differential operations

gradΦe^iiΦdivv(e^ii)v=ivirotv (orcurl)(e^ii)×v=ϵijk(jvk)e^i=|e^1e^2e^3123v1v2v3|2Φ=Φ=ii2Φ ×φ=0,(×a)=0 (φψ)=(φ)ψ+φ(ψ)(ab)=ab+ba+a×(×b)+b×(×a)a×(×a)=12(aa)aa(φa)=(φ)a+φ(a)(φa)=(φ)a+φ(a)×(φa)=(φ)×a+φ(×a)(a×b)=(a)×b(b)×a(a×b)=(×a)b(×b)a×(a×b)=(b+b)a(a+a)b(φT)=(φ)T+φ(T)(aT)=(a):T+a(T)(ab)=(a)b+ab(abc)=(a)bc+(ab)c+b(ac)×(a×b)=(baab)=(b+b)a(a+a)b φ(x+ϵ)=eϵφ(x)=[1+(ϵ)+12!(ϵ)2+13!(ϵ)3+]φ(x)

Here, the terms in the parentheses are

12(ϵ)(ϵ)=12ϵiϵj2xixj,16(ϵ)3=16ϵiϵjϵk3xixjxk,

T(ϵ)=eϵ is so-called "Translation Operator" in quantum mechanics or lie group (T^(ϵ)=eiϵp^).

Integral operations

dφ(r)=φdlFlimV0[1VVFdS]n^(×F)limS0[1SSFdl] PQdl=|PQ,=φ,a,T,Cdl=0(conservative field) VdV=Vdσ,=φ,×a,a,×T,with dσ=ndSVdσ=0also=limV0[1VVdσ]{φ=limV0[1VVdσφ]F=limV0[1VVdσF](Classic Gauss)×F=limV0[1VVdσ×F]

In Gauss's Divergence Theorem VdVF=VdσF, if F=φψ, one finds the Green's first identity:

VdV[φ2ψ+φψ]=Vdσφψ

and substituting F=φψψφ yields the Green's second identity:

VdV[φ2ψψ2φ]=Vdσ[φψψφ] S(dσ×)=Sdl,=φ,×a,a,×TSdlF=S(dσ×)F=Sdσ(×F)(Classic Stokes)

Helmholtz decomposition

For any continuous differentiable vector field F, if limrrF(x)0,

F=φlongitudinal/irrotational part+×Atransverse/solenoidal part=14πF(x)|xx|dV+14π××F(x)|xx|dV

for static magnetic field, Biot-Savart Law:

B(x)=14π×μ0J(x)|xx|dV=μ04πJ(x)×(xx)|xx|3dV,x:field; x:source

for static electric field, Coulomb's Law

E(x)=14πρ(x)/ϵ0|xx|dV=14πϵ0ρ(x)(xx)|xx|3dV

1.1.4 Cases

det(ab)=0,det(I+ab)=1+ab r=r^,r=I,r=3,×r=0×r^=0,r^=2r,r^=Ir^r^r,×[f(r)r^]=02(1r)=(r^r2)=4πδ3(r),  1r=r^r2,  r^r2=I3r^r^r3+4πδ3(x)3I I:ab=tr(ab)=abI:a=aT:I=tr(T)I:I=3 φI=φ(T×r)=r×(T),with Tij=Tji

1.1.5 in the orthogonal curvilinear coordinates

Definition

In this section, we adopt ei rather than e^i to indicate that the basis vectors are orthogonal but not normalized: ei=hie^i (no summation). Replace the Cartesian coordinate values (x1,x2,x3) with the Curvilinear coordinate values (u1,u2,u3).

hi=|rui|,H=i=13hi,e^i=r/ui|r/ui|=1hirui=1hiei(no summation)

for Cylindrical coordinates, r=(ρcosϕ,ρsinϕ,z):

hρ, hϕ, hz=1, ρ, 1and{e^ρ=1hρrρ=(cosϕ,sinϕ,0)e^ϕ=1hϕrϕ=(sinϕ,cosϕ,0)e^z=1hzrz=(0,0,1)

for Spherical coordinates, r=(rsinθcosϕ,rsinθsinϕ,rcosθ):

hr, hθ, hϕ=1, r, rsinθand{e^r=1hrrr=(sinθcosϕ,sinθsinϕ,cosθ)e^θ=1hθrθ=(cosθcosϕ,cosθsinϕ,sinθ)e^ϕ=1hϕrϕ=(sinϕ,cosϕ,0)

gradΦ=i1hieiiΦ=e^iiΦdivv=i1Hi(Hvihi)=1h1h2h3[u1(h2h3v1)+u2(h3h1v2)+u3(h1h2v3)]curlv=1h1h2h3|h1e^1h2e^2h3e^3u1u2u3h1v1h2v2h3v3|2v=v=k1Hk(Hhk(v)k)=k1Hk(Hhkk2v) ui=e^i=eihi,×eihi=×e^i=0,hieiH=0(no summation) v=ervr+eθ1rvθ+ezvzv=1rr(rvr)+1rvθθ+vzz×v=1r|erreθezrθzvrrvθvz|2v=1rr(rvr)+1r22vθ2+2vz2 v=ervr+eθ1rvθ+eφ1rsinθvφv=1r2r(r2vr)+1rsinθθ(sinθvθ)+1rsinθvφφ×v=1r2sinθ|erreθrsinθeφrθφvrrvθrsinθvφ|2v=1r2r(r2vr)+1r2sinθθ(sinθvθ)+1r2sin2θ2vφ2

1.2 Dirac δ function

1.2.1 Definition

Rδ(xa)φ(x)dx=φ(a)Rδ(n)(xa)φ(x)dx=(1)nφ(n)(a)Rδ(n)(xa)dx={1,n=10,n>1δ(x)=ddxΘ(x),Θ(x)={0,x<01,x>0 δ3(xa)=δ(x1a1)δ(x2a2)δ(x3a3)R3δ3(xa)φ(x)d3x=φ(a)R3αδ3(xa)φ(x)d3x=(1)ααφ(a),with α=(x1)α1(x2)α2(x3)α3,α=α1+α2+α3R3[δ3(xa)]φ(x)d3x=φ(a)R3[δ3(xa)]A(x)d3x=(A)|x=aR3[2δ3(xa)]φ(x)d3x=2φ(a)

1.2.2 Fundamental characteristics of δ

xδ(x)=0,xnδ(n)(x)=(1)nn!δ(x),xiδ3(x)=0,xijδ3(x)=δijδ3(x)

for f(x):RR, one finds

δ(f(x))=nδ(xxi)|f(xi)|,with f(xi)=0,f(xi)0

for f(x):RnR *

Rng(x)δ(f(x))dnx=f(x)=0g(x)|f(x)|dS,with f(xi)0

for F(x):RnRn

δ(F(x))=iδ(xxi)/|(F1,F2,,Fn)(x1,x2,,xn)|x=xi,with F(xi)=0,det(Fixj)0

for the orthogonal curvilinear coordinates

δ3(xx)=1Hδ3(uu)

1.2.3 Cases

ρ(x)=pδ3(x)

Because the total charge is zero,

Q=R3ρ(x)d3x=R3[pδ3(x)]d3x=(pR3δ3(x)d3x)=0

and the first-order moment (dipole moment) is p,

d=xρ(x)d3x=R3x[pδ3(x)]d3x=R3x[piδ3xi]d3x=piR3xδ3xid3x=pi xxi|x=0=pie^i=p

2 Fundamentals of Electromagnetism

2.1 Maxwell's equation

{E=ρϵ0(Gauss’s Law)B=0(Gauss’s Law for Magnetism)×E=Bt(Faraday Law)×B=μ0J+1c2Et(Ampere-Maxwell Law)

with c=1μ0ϵ0.

{D=ρf(Gauss’s Law)B=0(Gauss’s Law for Magnetism)×E=Bt(Faraday’s Law)×H=Jf+Dt(Ampere-Maxwell Law)

or

E=ρf+ρpϵ0,ρp=P×B=μ0(Jf+JM+JP)+1c2Et=μ0(Jf+×M+Pt)+1c2Et dpdt=qE+qv×B j=σ(Econstitutive term+u×Bconvective term1nej×Bhall term+peneelectron pressure termmene2jtinertial term+more and more)

In most cases of electrodynamics, it suffices to retain the first term j=σE. Don't be curious about exploring how many more terms are left behind.

2.2 Polarization and magnetization

D=ϵ0E+P,H=1μ0BM

for linear isotropic media,

D=ϵE,H=1μB {JP=Pt(Polarizing Current)JM=×M, KM=n^×(M1M2)(Magnetizing Current)ρp=P, σp=n^(P1P2)(Polarizing Charge)

2.3 Boundary conditions

n^ϵ0(E2E1)=σ,n^(B2B1)=0,n^×(E2E1)=0,n^×1μ0(B2B1)=K

or simply

ϵ0(E2E1)=σn^,1μ0(B2B1)=K×n^ n^(D2D1)=σf,n^(B2B1)=0,n^×(E2E1)=0,n^×(H2H1)=Kf

or

n^ϵ0(E2E1)=σf+σp,n^(B2B1)=0,n^×(E2E1)=0,1μ0n^×(B2B1)=Kf+KM

with JP=Pt=0.

2.4 Electromagnetic potential

E=φAt,B=×A CA=0 LA+1c2φt=0 φ=φψt,A=A+ψ φ+tL=ρϵ0AL=μ0J

with 21c22t2 (d’Alembert operator).

2.5 EM Wave

2.5.1 Wave equation

E=(21c22t2)E=1ϵ0ρ+μ0JtB=(21c22t2)B=μ0(×J) ϕ=kxωt ω=kcvp=ωk=c,vg=dωdk=c

2.5.2 Polarization

Real description

E1=A1cosϕ,E2=A2cos(ϕ+δ)(E1A1)2+(E2A2)22E1E2A1A2cosδ=sin2δ

for certain kx,

E1=A1cosωt,E2=A2cos(ωtδ){sinδ>0,Right-handsinδ<0,Left-hand

Complex description

E~1=A1eiϕ,E~2=A2ei(ϕ+δ)

for certain kx,

E~1=A1ei(ωt),E~2=A2ei(ωt+δ)

define the degree of polarization

R~=E~2E~1=A2A1eiδ{ImR~>0,Right-handImR~<0,Left-hand

Note: kk indicates that the wave vector undergoes inversion. According to the principle that the thumb points in the direction of the wave vector, the polarization also experiences inversion at this time. If kk and ωtωt, the polarization handedness remains unchanged.

Circularly polarized basis vectors*

{e^+e^1+ie^22,Right-hande^e^1ie^22,Left-hand

satisfy

e^=e^+,e^±e^±=1,e^±e^±=0

Monochromatic waves can be transformed from 2D Cartesian coordinates to circularly polarized coordinates,

E=E0eiϕ=(E+e^++Ee^)eiϕ,E±=e^±E0

2.5.3 Complex description

for E~1=A1eiϕ,E~2=A2ei(ϕ+δ), if A1,2 is independent with (t,x),

ik,ik ,×ik×,tiω [f~][g~]=12[f~0g~0]

In the vector scenario,

[f~][g~]=12[f~g~],[f~]×[g~]=12[f~×g~]

2.6 Conservation / Continuity equation

Charge conservation

j+ρt=0

Energy conservation

wt=S+fv

with EMF (electromagnetic field) energy, Poynting vector and Lorentz force

w=12ϵ0E2+B22μ0,  S=1μ0E×B,  f=ρeE+J×B

Momentum conservation & Maxwell stress tensor

gt=T+f

with EMF momentum and Maxwell stress tensor

g=ϵ0E×B=S/c2,TM=T=wI+(ϵ0EE+BBμ0)

In a steady state where the electromagnetic momentum is constant over time, the total force acting on the particles within volume V can be expressed as

F=VfdV=VdσT=VdσTM

Angular momentum conservation

t(r×g)=(r×T)=r×(T)+r×f

Conservation / Continuity equation in the linear homogeneous media

jf+ρft=0,(jP+jM)+ρpt=0 wt=S+jfE

with EMF energy and Poynting vector and Lorentz force

w=12(ED+BH),  S=E×H gt=T+ff

with EMF momentum (Minkowski form), Maxwell stress tensor and Lorentz force acting on free particles

g=D×B,TM=T=wI+(ED+HB),ff=ρfE+Jf×B

In a steady state where the electromagnetic momentum is constant over time, the total force on free particles within volume V is

Ff=VffdV=VdσT t(r×g)=(r×T)+r×ff ftotal=ff12E2ϵ12H2μ

3 Special Relativity & Tensor analysis (Minkowski spacetime)

3.1 Fundamental definition

(g)αβ=(g)αβ=diag(1,+1,+1,+1)αβxα=(ct,x)

Normalization of metric

gαβgβγ=δαγ

Metric invariance condition

gαβΛ  μαΛ  νβ=gμνgμνΛ  μαΛ  νβ=gαβ,gαβΛμ  αΛν  β=gμν,gμνΛμ  αΛν  β=gαβ

3.2 Lorentz transformation

Invariant interval

ds2=gαβdxαdxβ=dxαdxβ=c2dt2+|dx|2=c2dτ2{<0,timelike=0,lightlike<0,spacelike

Christoffel symbols (the first kind)*

Γρμν=12(gρμxν+gρνxμgμνxρ)=gαβ2xαxνxμxβxρ=0KK:xα=Λ  βαxβ+aα

the inverse of the matrix Λ  βα is Λβ  α:

(Λ1)  αμ=gαβΛ  νβgνμ=Λα  μΛ  βαΛα  γ=δβγorΛ  γαΛβ  γ=δβα

for x-axis boost:

Λ  βα=[γγβγβγ11],Λβ  α=[γγβγβγ11]

for general β boost:

Λ  βα=(γγβγβI+(γ1)β^β^)

Velocity transformation: Suppose frame K moves with velocity v=ve^x relative to frame K along the positive x-axis. An object has velocity u=(ux,uy,uz) in frame K and u=(ux,uy,uz) in frame K, then the velocity u transforms as:

ux=ux+v1+vuxc2,uy=uyγ(1+vuxc2),uz=uzγ(1+vuxc2)

If the boost is in an arbitrary direction β=v/c *

u=11+vuc2[u+1γu+v]

Where u represents the component of u perpendicular to the boost direction. Assuming θ=u,v,θ=u,v, *

tanθ=usinθγv(ucosθ+v)if u=ctanθ=sinθγv(cosθ+βv)(Aberration of Light Formula)

The Full Lorentz Group O(1,3) consists of all transformations that preserve the Minkowski metric. From the property ΛTηΛ=η above, it follows that |det(Λ)|=1,|Λ  00|1. O(1,3) is a Lie group that possesses four disjoint, connected components. It can be expressed as the union of the Proper Orthochronous Lorentz Group SO(1,3) (the identity component) and its cosets:

P=diag(1,1,1,1),  T=diag(1,1,1,1)O(1,3)={SO(1,3), PSO(1,3), TSO(1,3), PTSO(1,3)}

Infinitesimal Lorentz transformation

Λ  νμ=δνμ+ω  νμ,with ω  νμ=(0βxβyβzβx0θzθyβyθz0θxβzθyθx0)KK:xα=Λ  βαxβ=[ct+βxx+βctθ×x]

For infinite transformation Ω=limnnω,

Λ=limn(1+Ωn)n=eΩ=k=0Ωkk!={[10000cosθsinθ00sinθcosθ00001],z-axis rotation[  chϕ  shϕ  shϕ  chϕ 1 1],x-axis boost, with tanhϕ=β

zz_figure/Pasted image 20260506122206.png

3.3 Tensor analysis (Minkowski spacetime)

3.3.1 4-description of vector / tensor

Primary 4-vector / tensor

uα=dxαdτ=γ(c,v),aα=duαdτ=(γ4(βa),γ2a+γ4(βa)β)uαuα=c2,aμuμ=0

The accelerated speed in the instantaneous co-moving frame is ain,

aμaμ=|ain|2=γ4[|a|2+γ2(βa)2]|ain|={γ2a,βaγ3a,βa pα=muα=(γmc,γmv)=(Ec,p)pαpα=m2c2E2=(|p|c)2+(mc2)2 Fα=dpαdτ=maα=(γ4m(βa),γ2ma+γ4m(βa)β)

Since F=dpdt,Fβ=dE/cdtFα=γ(Fβ,F),

F=γma+γ3m(βa)βF={γma,βaγ3ma,βa μ=xμ=(1ct,),μμ==1c2t2+2 gαβ,δβα,ϵαβμν

The recursion formula of decomposition

T(α1α2αs)=1sk=1sTαk(α1α2αk1αk+1αs)T[α1α2αs]=1sk=1s(1)k1Tαk[α1α2αk1αk+1,αs]

with base case is T(α)=T[α]=Tα. for ex.,

T(αβ)=Tαβ+Tβα2,T[αβ]=TαβTβα2T[αβ](0ppa){p,a},withaij=ϵijkak (or a=I×a)T(αβγ)=13[Tα(βγ)+Tβ(αγ)+Tγ(αβ)]=16[Tαβγ+Tαγβ+Tβαγ+Tβγα+Tγαβ+Tγβα]T[αβγ]=13[(1)0Tα[βγ]+(1)1Tβ[αγ]+(1)2Tγ[αβ]]=16[TαβγTαγβTβαγ+Tβγα+TγαβTγβα]

Dual tensor of asymmetric matrix

Dual tensor of asymmetric matrix Aαβ(0ppa){p,a} is

Aαβ12ϵαβμνAμν,with ϵαβμν={+1,(αβμν) is an even permutation of 01231,(αβμν) is an odd permutation of 01230,(αβμν) is in other caseAαβAαβ=(0aap){a,p}

Eigenvalue equation of second-order tensors

AαβXβ=λXα(Aαβλgαβ)Xβ=0

the Principal Invariants

 αλα,α<βλαλβ,α<β<μλαλβλμ,α<β<μ<νλαλβλμλν

for an asymmetric matrix Aαβ(0ppa){p,a} ,

I1=a2p2=12AαβAαβ,I2=pa=14AαβAαβ

4 Lagrangian Formulation of the EM Field

4.1 Covariant EM equation

4.1.1 Maxwell's equation

Electromagnetic Field Tensor

Aμ=(φc,A)Fμν=μAννAμ=[0Ex/cEy/cEz/cEx/c0BzByEy/cBz0BxEz/cByBx0]

or simply

Fμν=(0EcEcB)={Ec,B},Bij=ϵijkBk

and two invariants

I1=E2c2B2=12FαβFαβ,I2=EBc=14FαβFαβ

4-form Maxwell's equation

{E=ρϵ0×B1c2Et=μ0J}αFαβ=μ0JβB=0×E+Bt=0}[μFνρ]=0    αFαβ=0

Differential 2-form of electromagnetic field tensor F *

F=12FμνdxμdxνdF=0,  dF=J

Gauge invariance

Aα=αψ, if curl(A)=αAββAα=0

Thus, the field strength tensor Fμν=μAννAμ remains invariant under the gauge transformation Aα=Aα+αψ

Aα=Aα+αψ ααAβ=μ0Jβ(covariant elctromagnetic potential equation)φ=ρϵ0,A=μ0J

4.1.2 Lorentz transformation of EM field

from Lorentz transformation of Fαβ:

KK:Fαβ=Λ  μαΛ  νβFμν,with Λ  βα=[γγβγβγ11]

one finds

{E=E,E=γ(E+β×cB)B=B,cB=γ(cBβ×E)

or more neatly (define Bβ^×cB,  BcB),

{E=E,E=γ(E+βB)B=B,B=γ(B+βE)

Electric-like / Magnetic-like / Light-like field

E2c2B2 is ivariant{E>cB,(Electric-like)E=cB,(Light-like)E<cB,(Magnetic-like)

In the lab frame K, if

4.1.3 4-wave vector

4-form Wave equation for the field strength tensor can be derived from 4-form Maxwell's equation,

αFαβ=μ0Jβ[μFνρ]=0α([αFμν])=0}ααFμν=μ0(μJννJμ)

Thus, the monochromatic plane wave satisfies Fμν=F0μνei(kxωt)F0μνeikαxα with the definition of 4-wave vector,

kα(ωc,k)kαkα=ω2c2|k|2 is invariantkcω  in any inertial frame KK:kα=Λ  βαkβ{ωc=γ(ωcβk)ω=γω(1βcosθ)(doppler frequency shift)k=γ(kβωc)k=k}tanθ=sinθγ(cosθβ)(Aberration of Light Formula)

The relativistic Doppler formula demonstrates that whether the observer approaches the source or the source approaches the observer, as long as their relative velocity β and the rest frequency ω0 of the source are identical, the observed frequency remains the same. This differs from the classical case; the observed frequency is always,

ωobs=ω01+β1β

4.1.4 Conservation / Continuity equation

4-current & charge conservation

Define the 4-current,

jα=ρe0uα=(ρec,j),with ρe=γρe0, j=ρev=γρe0v

Note: Since the total charge Q is a Lorentz invariant but the volume V undergoes length contraction (V=V0/γ), the charge density must increase by the same factor, ρ=Q/V=γρ0.

Furthermore, while the time interval dilates (dt=γdτ) and the spatial volume element contracts (d3x=d3x0/γ), these two γ factors exactly cancel each other out. This ensures that the four-dimensional spacetime volume d4x=cdtd3x is a Lorentz invariant (scalar).

The current's 4-divergence is zero:

αjeα=je+ρet=0

A 4-vector Jα is referred to as a conserved current if αJα=0. The corresponding conserved charge, defined as Q=1cR3J0d3x, is a Lorentz invariant.

Mass conservation

jmα=ρm0uα=(ρmc,jm),with ρm=γρm0, jm=ρmv=γρm0vαjmα=jm+ρmt=0

Energy-momentum tensor conservation

fα=FαβJβ=(f0,f)=(1cEJ,  ρeE+J×B)

for single particle with charge +e, Jβ=euβ=γe(c,v),ρe=γe. thus,

fα=eFαβuβ=γ(Fβ,F)=γ(eEβ,eE+ev×B) Tfμν14μ0gμνFαβFαβ1μ0FμαFα  ν=(wScScT) Tpμνρm0uμuν=γρm(c2cvcvvv)fν=ρmduνdτ=μTpμν μTfμν=fν=μTpμν

or

μTμν=0with Tμν=Tfμν+Tpμν

relevant conserved charges are

Pν=1cR3T0νd3x=(Ec,P)=(w+γρmc2c,cg+γρmv)

Angular energy-momentum conservation*

MμαβxαTμβxβTμαμMμαβ=0 ταβxαfβxβfαμMfμαβ=ταβ=μMpμαβ

relevant conserved charges are

Lij=1cR3M0ijd3xL=[r×(g+γρmv)]d3xKi=L0i=1cR3M00id3x=ct(g+γρmv)total momentumd3x1c[w+γρmc2]total energyxd3x

The second term in the right side of Ki is the velocity of total energy, which is proportional to t, namely energy center moving in a straight line.

4.1.5 Maxwell's equation in the media*

#todo

4.2 Lagrangian Formulation

4.2.1 Lagrange equation

Lagrange equation for Particles

For the action S=t1t2L(qα(t),q˙α(t),t)dt, provided that the boundaries t1, t2 are fixed and δqα=0 at the boundaries, then the principle of least action δS=0 yields the Lagrange equation of particles as follows:

δLδqαLqαddtLq˙α=0

Gauge transformation

ΔL=L~L=df(qα,t)dt

Covariant Lagrange equation for Relativistic Particle

For the action S=τ1τ2L(xμ(τ),x˙μ(τ))dτ, provided that the endpoints τ1,τ2 are fixed and δxμ=0 at the boundaries, then

δLδxμLxμddτLx˙μ=0

Gauge transformation is ΔL=df(xμ,τ)dτ.

Lagrange equation for Scalar Field

For the action S=ΩL(φ(xμ),μφ(xμ),xμ)d4x, provided that the boundary of the spacetime region Ω is fixed and δφ=0 on the boundary, then

δLδφLφμ(L(μφ))=0

Gauge transformation is ΔL=αCα(φ,xμ).

Lagrange equation for Vector Field

For the action S=ΩL(Aα(xμ),μAα(xμ),xμ)d4x, provided that the boundary of the spacetime region Ω is fixed and δAα=0 on the boundary, then

δLδAαLAαμ(L(μAα))=0

Gauge transformation is ΔL=αCα(Aμ,xμ).

4.2.2 Particles' motion

L(x,v)=mc21v2c2eφ+evA,p=Lv=γmv+eAL(xμ,uμ)=mcuαuα+eAαuα,pα=Luα=muα+eAα

Substituting into the Lagrange equation yields dpdt=eE+ev×B and dpαdτ=eFαβuβ, respectively.

4.2.3 Field equation

Klein-Gordon field *

L=12(μφμφ+κ2φ2)+ρ(xμ)φ(xμ)

Substituting into the Lagrange equation yields Klein-Gordon equation (μμκ2)φ(xμ)=ρ(xμ), which has a monochromatic plane solution φ(xμ)=φ0eikαxα=φ0ei(kxωt) without the mass source ρ, and

(ikμ)(ikμ)κ2=0ω=cκ2+k2{vp=ωk=cκ2k2+1>cvg=dωdk=c/κ2k2+1<c

For a static, spherically symmetric source, the field equation reduces to 1r(2r2κ2)φ(r)=0. The physically meaningful solution (vanishing at infinity) is the Yukawa potential,

φ(r)1reκr

EM field

L=Lf+Lp=14μ0FαβFαβ+AαJα12(ϵ0E21μ0B2)(ρφJA)with Fαβ=αAββAα

Substituting into the Lagrange equation yields the covariant Maxwell's equations with a source term,

αFαβ=μ0Jβ

4.3 Covariant single particle motion equation

4.3.1 Single particle in uniform electric field

Assuming EEe^x and the particle is at rest and x=0 at time t=0 (at every subsequent moment t>0, a, v and x are parallel to E) . One finds

dpdt=eE,p=pe^x=γmve^x

thus eEdt=d(γmv),

eEx=mv1v2c2v(t)=ωEtc1+(ωEt)2,ωE=eEmcx(t)=cωE[1+(ωEt)21](xc/ωE+1)2ωE2t2=1

This is a hyperbola, which can also be expressed in the form with the parameter τ. First above,

γ(t)=11+v2c2γ(t)=1+ωE2t2

Since dtdτ=γ,

ct(τ)=cωEsinh(ωEτ)

and substituting into x(t)=cωE[1+(ωEt)21] yields,

x(τ)=cωE[cosh(ωEτ)1]

4.3.2 Single particle in uniform magnetic field

Assuming BBe^z and the particle satisfies x=0, px=0, py=p=γmv and pz=p=γmv at time t=0. One finds

dEdt=0γ=const,dpxdt=evyB,dpydt=evxB,dpzdt=0γmdvxdt=eBvy,γmdvydt=eBvxvx(t)=vsin(ωct),vy(t)=vcos(ωct),vz(t)v

with relativistic cyclotron frequency ωc=eBγm, then integral

x(t)=vωc[1cos(ωct)],y(t)=vωcsin(ωct),z(t)=vt

This depicts a spiral line moving along the z axis. Since γtτ,

x(τ)=R[1cos(ωBτ)],y(τ)=Rsin(ωBτ),z(τ)=γvτ,

with cyclotron radius R=vωc and classic gyro-frequency ωB=γωc=eBm.

4.3.3 Single particle in uniform electromagnetic field *

Perpendicular field

Assuming EB with BBe^z, EEe^x. Refer to 4-Lorentz force fα=eFαβuβ=γ(eEβ,eE+ev×B) and Lorentz equation dpαdτ=fα, One finds

mcdu0dτ=eEu1,mdu1dτ=eEcu0+eu2B,mdu2dτ=eu1B,mdu3dτ=0

Take the derivative of the second expression above with respect to the proper time τ,

d2u1dτ2=ωEdu0dτ+ωBdu2dτ

Substitute the 1-st and 3-rd equation into the above equation:

d2u1dτ2=(ωE2ωB2)u1=e2Im2u1

I=E2c2B2 is a Lorentz invariant that we are all familiar with. Define Ω=|ωE2ωB2|12, then the solutions fall into three categories:

Magnetic dominance

If ωB>ωE, namely cB>E, the equation becomes the harmonic oscillator equation u¨1=Ω2u1. However, it's complex to write out the parametric equations for the particle's motion in full. We adopt to a boost with vB=E×cB(cB)2c since E=0 in the new inertial frame, with B=I=meΩ. 4-velocity component equation is simplified to

du0dτ=0,du1dτ=Ωu2,du2dτ=Ωu1,du3dτ=0

Surely it's a cyclotron motion like previous section #4.3.2 Single particle in uniform magnetic field. Using γB=11(vB/c)2=cBc2B2E2, we can reversely transform to the lab frame,

u0=γB(u0βBu2)u1=u1u2=γB(u2βBu0)u3=u3
Electric dominance

If ωB<ωE, namely cB<E, the equation becomes the hyperbolic equation u¨1=Ω2u1. Adopt to a boost with vE=E×cBE2c since B=0 in the new inertial frame, with E=I=meΩ. 4-velocity component equation is simplified to

du0dτ=Ωcu1,du1dτ=Ωcu0,u2,u3=const

Surely it's is a hyperbola like previous section #4.3.1 Single particle in uniform electric field.

Light case

If ω=ωB=ωE, namely cB=E, the equation becomes the light equation u¨1=0. 4-velocity component equation is simplified to

du0dτ=ωu1,du1dτ=ω(u0+u2),du2dτ=ωu1,du3dτ=0

Thus

u1(τ)=ατ+u1(0),with α=u˙1(0)=ω(u0(0)+u2(0))u0(τ)=12ωατ2+ωu1(0)τ+u0(0),u2(τ)=12ωατ2ωu1(0)τ+u2(0)

Then integral

x(τ)=u1dτ=12ατ2+u1(0)τy(τ)=u2dτ=16ωατ312ωu1(0)τ2+u2(0)τct(τ)=u0dτ=16ωατ3+12ωu1(0)τ2+u0(0)τy=ct+αωτ

Since

α(u0+u2)=limvycc+vy1vy2c2=climvycc+vycvy=0y=ct

namely it's a particle propagating in the E×B-direction at the speed of light as u1(0)=0.

Non-Perpendicular field

If EB0, one can find a inertial frame with the speed satisfying β1+β2=E×cBE2+c2B2 where EB=0. Therefore, Assuming EB with BBe^z, EEe^z, the solution is a spiral motion that undergoes hyperbolic acceleration in the z direction.

4.4 Noether's theorem of field *

In this section, φI (I=1,,N) denotes the components of a multicomponent field, but φI will be abbreviated as φ. When φ appears twice, it implies summation over I.

4.4.1 Variation of field

δφφ(xμ)φ(xμ) δ¯φφ(xμ)φ(xμ),with xμ=xμ+δ¯xμ δ¯φ=δφ+(μφ)δ¯xμ

4.4.2 Formal variation of Lagrangian

δL(φ(xμ),α(xμ),xμ)=α(Παδφ)+(LφαΠα)Lagrange equation =0δφ,with Πα=L(αφ)

Since the field equation wouldn't change under the gauge δL=αCα, one find a conserved current / Noether current,

Jα(xμ)=ΠαδφCα,with αJα=0

4.4.3 Total variation of Lagrangian

δ¯L(φ(xμ),αφ(xμ),xμ)=δL+(αL)δ¯xαfor infinitesimal Poincare transformation: αδ¯xα=0=α[Lδ¯xα+Παδφ]=αJα

where the conserved current density is

Jα=Παδ¯φ+(ΠαβφδβαL)Tβαδ¯xβ

or

Jα=Tαβδ¯xβ+Παδ¯φ,with Tαβ=Παβφ+gαβL

4.4.4 Noether's theorem of field

Space-time Translation

Consider a global infinitesimal translation xμ=xμ+ϵμ. The field transforms as a scalar, hence δ¯φ=0. The Noether current is:

Jα=TαβϵβαTαβ=0

The conserved 4-momentum Pβ is,

Pβ=1cT0βd3x=(Ec,P)  is conserved with  E=(L(tφ)tφL)d3x

Tαβ needs to be corrected before we can obtain the physically meaningful expression of Pi as well.

Rotations and Boosts

Consider an infinitesimal Lorentz transformation: xμ=Λνμxν(δνμ+ωνμ)xν, hence δ¯xμ=ωνμxν and δ¯Aμ=ωνμAν,

Jα=Tαβδ¯xβ+Παβδ¯Aβ,with  Tαβ=ΠαμβAμ+gαβL, Παβ=L(αAβ)Jα=Tαβωβγxγ+ΠαβωβγAγωβγ=ωγβ=12ωβγ[(xγTαβxβTαγ)+(AγΠαβAβΠαγ)]Mαβγ

Thus, αMαβγ=0, the conserved charges are

Lαβ=1cM0αβd3x

The latter section is available at ED formulas (2).