arXiv subjects

Masud Mansuripur

Publications and source records attributed to Masud Mansuripur.

At least 91 records · Page 5Linked to original sources

arXiv2013

Radiation pressure and the linear momentum of the electromagnetic field

We derive the force of the electromagnetic radiation on material objects by a direct application of the Lorentz law of classical electro-dynamics. The derivation is straightforward in the case of solid metals and solid dielectrics, where the mass density and the optical constants of the media are assumed to remain unchanged under internal and external pressures, and where material flow and deformation can be ignored. For metallic mirrors, we separate the contribution to the radiation pressure of the electrical charge density from that of the current density of the conduction electrons. In the case of dielectric media, we examine the forces experienced by bound charges and currents, and determine the contribution of each to the radiation pressure. These analyses reveal the existence of a lateral radiation pressure inside the dielectric media, one that is exerted at and around the edges of a finite-diameter light beam. The lateral pressure turns out to be compressive for s-polarized light and expansive for p-polarized light. Along the way, we derive an expression for the momentum density of the light field inside dielectric media, one that has equal contributions from the traditional Minkowski and Abraham forms. This new expression for the momentum density, which contains both electromagnetic and mechanical terms, is used to explain the behavior of light pulses and individual photons upon entering and exiting a dielectric slab. In all the cases considered, the net forces and torques experienced by material bodies are consistent with the relevant conservation laws. Our method of calculating the radiation pressure can be used in conjunction with numerical simulations to yield the distribution of fields and forces in diverse systems of practical interest.

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arXiv2013

Electromagnetic force distribution inside matter

Using the Finite Difference Time Domain method, we solve Maxwell's equations numerically and compute the distribution of electromagnetic fields and forces inside material media. The media are generally specified by their dielectric permittivity epsilon(w) and magnetic permeability mu(w), representing small, transparent dielectric and magnetic objects such as platelets and micro-beads. Using two formulations of the electromagnetic force-density, one due to H. A. Lorentz [Collected Papers 2, 164 (1892)], the other due to A. Einstein and J. Laub [Ann, Phys. 331, 541 (1908)], we show that the force-density distribution inside a given object can differ substantially between the two formulations. This is remarkable, considering that the total force experienced by the object is always the same, irrespective of whether the Lorentz or the Einstein-Laub formula is employed. The differences between the two formulations should be accessible to measurement in deformable objects.

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arXiv2013

Fresnel reflection from a cavity with net roundtrip gain

A planewave incident on an active etalon with net roundtrip gain may be expected to diverge in field amplitude, yet Maxwell's equations admit only a convergent solution. By examining a Gaussian beam obliquely incident on such a cavity, we find that the "side-tail" of the beam leaks into the cavity and gives rise to a field that interferes with the main portion of the beam, which is ultimately responsible for the convergence of the field. This mechanism offers perspective for many phenomena, and we specifically discuss the implications for amplified total internal reflection.

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arXiv2012

Trouble with the Lorentz Law of Force: Response to Critics

In a recent paper [arXiv:1205.0096], we questioned the validity of the Lorentz law of force in the presence of material media that contain electric and/or magnetic dipoles. A number of authors have criticized our methods and conclusions. This paper is an attempt at answering the critics and elaborating the relevant issues in some detail.

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arXiv2012

Comment on "Observation of a push force on the end face of a nanometer silica filament exerted by outgoing light," Phys. Rev. Lett. 101, 243601 (2008)

In a recent paper, W. She, J. Yu and R. Feng reported the slight deformations observed upon transmission of a light pulse through a fairly short length of a silica glass nano-fiber. Relating the shape and magnitude of these deformations to the momentum of the light pulse both inside and outside the fiber, these authors concluded that, within the fiber, the photons carry the Abraham momentum. In my view, the authors' claim that they have resolved the Abraham-Minkowski controversy surrounding the momentum of photons inside dielectric media is premature. A correct interpretation of the experiments of She et al requires precise calculations that would properly account not only for the electromagnetic momentum (both inside and outside the fiber) but also for the Lorentz force exerted on the fiber by the light pulse in its entire path through this nano-waveguide.

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arXiv2012

Resolution of the Abraham-Minkowski Controversy

The momentum of light inside ponderable media has an electromagnetic part and a mechanical part. The local and instantaneous density of the electromagnetic part of the momentum is given by the Poynting vector divided by the square of the speed of light in vacuum, irrespective of the nature of the electromagnetic fields or the local or global properties of the material media. The mechanical part of the momentum is associated with the action of the electromagnetic field on the atomic constituents of the media, as specified by the Lorentz law of force. Proper interpretation and application of the Maxwell-Lorentz equations within the material bodies as well as at their surfaces and interfaces is all that is needed to obtain a complete picture of the momentum of light, including detailed numerical values at each and every point in space and time. That the Abraham-Minkowski controversy surrounding the momentum of light inside material media has persisted for nearly a century is due perhaps to an insufficient appreciation for the completeness and consistency of the macroscopic Maxwell-Lorentz theory, inadequate treatment of the electromagnetic force and torque at the material boundaries, and an undue emphasis on the necessity of coupling the equations of electrodynamics to those of the theory of elasticity for proper treatment of mechanical momentum. The present paper reports the resolution of the Abraham-Minkowski controversy within the framework of the classical theory of electrodynamics, without resort to such complicating and ultimately unnecessary factors as pseudo-momentum, special surface forces, alternative energy-momentum tensors, and hidden momenta, that have caused so much confusion for such a long period of time.

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arXiv2012

Nature of Electric and Magnetic Dipoles Gleaned from the Poynting Theorem and the Lorentz Force Law of Classical Electrodynamics

Starting with the most general form of Maxwell's macroscopic equations in which the free charge and free current densities, rho_free and J_free, as well as the densities of polarization and magnetization, P and M, are arbitrary functions of space and time, we compare and contrast two versions of the Poynting vector, namely, S=ExB/mu_0 and S=ExH. Here E is the electric field, H the magnetic field, B the magnetic induction, and mu_0 the permeability of free space. We argue that the identification of one or the other of these Poynting vectors with the rate of flow of electromagnetic energy is intimately tied to the nature of magnetic dipoles and the way in which these dipoles exchange energy with the electromagnetic field. In addition, the manifest nature of both electric and magnetic dipoles in their interactions with the electromagnetic field has consequences for the Lorentz law of force. If the conventional identification of magnetic dipoles with Amperian current loops is extended beyond Maxwell's macroscopic equations to the domain where energy, force, torque, momentum, and angular momentum are active participants, it will be shown that "hidden energy" and "hidden momentum" become inescapable consequences of such identification with Amperian current loops. Hidden energy and hidden momentum can be avoided, however, if we adopt S=ExH as the true Poynting vector, and also accept a generalized version of the Lorentz force law. We conclude that the identification of magnetic dipoles with Amperian current loops, while certainly acceptable within the confines of Maxwell's macroscopic equations, is inadequate and leads to complications when considering energy, force, torque, momentum, and angular momentum in electromagnetic systems that involve the interaction of fields and matter.

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arXiv2012

Theoretical analysis of the force on the end face of a nano-filament exerted by an outgoing light pulse

The slight deformations observed upon transmission of a light pulse through a short length of a silica glass nano-filament offer the possibility of determining the momentum of light inside the filament. Using precise numerical calculations that take into account not only the electromagnetic momentum inside and outside the filament, but also the Lorentz force exerted by a light pulse in its entire path through the nano-waveguide, we conclude that the net effect of a short pulse exiting the nano-filament should be a pull force on the end face of the filament.

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arXiv2012

Generalized Lorentz law and the force of radiation on magnetic dielectrics

The macroscopic equations of Maxwell combined with a generalized form of the Lorentz law are a complete and consistent set; not only are these five equations fully compatible with the special theory of relativity, they also conform with the conservation laws of energy, momentum, and angular momentum. The linear momentum density associated with the electromagnetic field is p_EM(r,t)=E(r,t)\timesH(r,t)/c^2, whether the field is in vacuum or in a ponderable medium. [Homogeneous, linear, isotropic media are typically specified by their electric and magnetic permeabilities epsilon_0*epsilon(w) and mu_0*mu(w).] The electromagnetic momentum residing in a ponderable medium is often referred to as Abraham momentum. When an electromagnetic wave enters a medium, say, from the free space, it brings in Abraham momentum at a rate determined by the density distribution p_EM(r,t), which spreads within the medium with the light's group velocity. The balance of the incident, reflected, and transmitted (electromagnetic) momenta is subsequently transferred to the medium as mechanical force in accordance with Newton's second law. The mechanical force of the radiation field on the medium may also be calculated by a straightforward application of the generalized form of the Lorentz law. The fact that these two methods of force calculation yield identical results is the basis of our claim that the equations of electrodynamics (Maxwell + Lorentz) comply with the momentum conservation law. When applying the Lorentz law, one must take care to properly account for the effects of material dispersion and absorption, discontinuities at material boundaries, and finite beam dimensions. This paper demonstrates some of the issues involved in such calculations of the electromagnetic force in magnetic dielectric media.

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arXiv2012

What is wrong with the interpretation of recent nano-filament experiments?

In a recent paper, W. She, J. Yu and R. Feng reported the slight deformations observed upon transmission of a light pulse through a short length of a silica glass nano-filament. Relating the shape and magnitude of these deformations to the momentum of the light pulse inside and outside the filament, these authors concluded that, within the fiber, the photons carry the Abraham momentum. We present an alternative evaluation of force and momentum in a system similar to the experimental setup of She et al. Using precise numerical calculations that take into account not only the electromagnetic momentum inside and outside the filament, but also the Lorentz force exerted by a light pulse in its entire path through the nano-waveguide, we conclude that the net effect should be a pull (rather than a push) force on the end face of the nano-filament.

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arXiv2012

Whence the Minkowski Momentum?

Electromagnetic waves carry the Abraham momentum, whose density is given by p_EM = S(r,t)/c^2. Here S(r,t) = E(r,t)\timesH(r,t) is the Poynting vector at point r in space and instant t in time, E and H are the local electromagnetic fields, and c is the speed of light in vacuum. The above statement is true irrespective of whether the waves reside in vacuum or within a ponderable medium, which medium may or may not be homogeneous, isotropic, transparent, linear, magnetic, etc. When a light pulse enters an absorbing medium, the force experienced by the medium is only partly due to the absorbed Abraham momentum. This absorbed momentum, of course, is manifested as Lorentz force (while the pulse is being extinguished within the absorber), but not all the Lorentz force experienced by the medium is attributable to the absorbed Abraham momentum. We consider an absorptive/reflective medium having the complex refractive index n_2+ik_2, submerged in a transparent dielectric of refractive index n_1, through which light must travel to reach the absorber/reflector. Depending on the impedance-mismatch between the two media, which mismatch is dependent on n_1, n_2, k_2, either more or less light will be coupled into the absorber/reflector. The dependence of this impedance-mismatch on n_1 is entirely responsible for the appearance of the Minkowski momentum in certain radiation pressure experiments that involve submerged objects.

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arXiv2012

Energy, Momentum, and Force in Classical Electrodynamics: Application to Negative-index Media

The classical theory of electromagnetism is based on Maxwell's macroscopic equations, an energy postulate, a momentum postulate, and a generalized form of the Lorentz law of force. These seven postulates constitute the foundation of a complete and consistent theory, thus eliminating the need for physical models of polarization P and magnetization M - these being the distinguishing features of Maxwell's macroscopic equations. In the proposed formulation, P(r,t) and M(r,t) are arbitrary functions of space and time, their physical properties being embedded in the seven postulates of the theory. The postulates are self-consistent, comply with special relativity, and satisfy the laws of conservation of energy, linear momentum, and angular momentum. The Abraham momentum density p_EM(r,t)= E(r,t)\timesH(r,t)/c^2 emerges as the universal electromagnetic momentum that does not depend on whether the field is propagating or evanescent, and whether or not the host media are homogeneous, transparent, isotropic, linear, dispersive, magnetic, hysteretic, negative-index, etc. Any variation with time of the total electromagnetic momentum of a closed system results in a force exerted on the material media within the system in accordance with the generalized Lorentz law.

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arXiv2012

Equivalence of total force (and torque) for two formulations of the Lorentz law

Two formulations of the Lorentz law of force in classical electrodynamics yield identical results for the total force (and total torque) of radiation on a solid object. The object may be surrounded by the free space or immersed in a transparent dielectric medium such as a liquid. We discuss the relation between these two formulations and extend the proof of their equivalence to the case of solid objects immersed in a transparent medium.

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arXiv2012

Momentum of the Electromagnetic Field in Transparent Dielectric Media

We present arguments in favor of the proposition that the momentum of light inside a transparent dielectric medium is the arithmetic average of the Minkowski and Abraham momenta. Using the Lorentz transformation of the fields (and of the coordinates) from a stationary to a moving reference frame, we show the consistent transformation of electromagnetic energy and momentum between the two frames. We also examine the momentum of static (i.e., time-independent) electromagnetic fields, and show that the close connection that exists between the Poynting vector and the momentum density extends all the way across the frequency spectrum to this zero-frequency limit. In the specific example presented in this paper, the static field inside a non-absorbing dielectric material turns out to have the Minkowski momentum.

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arXiv2012

Radiation pressure and the distribution of electromagnetic force in dielectric media

A detailed distribution of the force of electromagnetic radiation in and around dielectric media can be obtained by a direct application of the Lorentz law of force in conjunction with Maxwell's equations. We develop a theory of the force exerted by a focused light beam on the free surface as well as within the volume of a transparent dielectric medium. Although the medium can be either solid or liquid, here we emphasize the application of the formulas to liquids since, in principle at least, surface deformations and liquid motions are measurable. Our theory predicts that, upon entering the liquid from the free space, the beam of light exerts an outward vertical force on the entrance surface that tends to produce a localized bulge. This surface force, however, is much weaker than that predicted by prevailing theories and, in contrast to current beliefs, is found to depend on the polarization state of the incident beam. Within the volume of the liquid we predict that the forces of radiation tend to create four counter-rotating vortices at the four corners of the focused spot; the sense of rotation within these vortices depends on the direction of the incident polarization. These striking departures from conventional wisdom with regard to the force of radiation arise from a revision in the form of the Lorentz law as applied to the bound charges/currents within a dielectric medium.

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arXiv2012

Radiation pressure on a submerged absorptive partial reflector deduced from the Doppler shift

When a light pulse is reflected from a mirror, energy and momentum are exchanged between the electromagnetic field and the material medium. The resulting change in the energy of the reflected photons is directly related to their Doppler shift arising from the change in the state of motion of the mirror. Similarly, the Doppler shift of photons that enter an absorber is intimately tied to the kinetic energy and momentum acquired by the absorber in its interaction with the incident light. The argument from the Doppler shift yields expressions for the exchanged energy and momentum that are identical with those obtained from Maxwell's equations and the Lorentz law of force, despite the fact that the physical bases of the two methods are fundamentally different. Here we apply the Doppler shift argument to a submerged partial reflector (one that absorbs a fraction of the incident light), deducing in the process the magnitude of the photon momentum within the submerging medium. We also discuss the case of the submerging medium having a negative refractive index, and show the absence of the so-called "reversed" Doppler shift when the reflector is detached from the negative-index medium.

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arXiv2012

Solar Sails, Optical Tweezers, and Other Light-Driven Machines

Electromagnetic waves carry energy, linear momentum, and angular momentum. When light (or other electromagnetic radiation) interacts with material media, both energy and momentum are usually exchanged. The force and torque experienced by material bodies in their interactions with the electromagnetic field are such that the energy as well as the linear and angular momenta of the overall system (i.e., the system of field plus matter) are conserved. Radiation forces are now used routinely to trap and manipulate small objects such as glass or plastic micro-beads and biological cells, to drive micro- and nano-machines, and to contemplate interstellar travel with the aid of solar sails. We discuss the properties of the electromagnetic field that enable such wide-ranging applications.

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arXiv2012

New Perspective on the Reciprocity Theorem of Classical Electrodynamics

We provide a simple physical proof of the reciprocity theorem of classical electrodynamics in the general case of material media that contain linearly polarizable as well as linearly magnetizable substances. The excitation source is taken to be a point-dipole, either electric or magnetic, and the monitored field at the observation point can be electric or magnetic, regardless of the nature of the source dipole. The electric and magnetic susceptibility tensors of the material system may vary from point to point in space, but they cannot be functions of time. In the case of spatially non-dispersive media, the only other constraint on the local susceptibility tensors is that they be symmetric at each and every point. The proof is readily extended to media that exhibit spatial dispersion: For reciprocity to hold, the electric susceptibility tensor Chi_E_mn that relates the complex-valued magnitude of the electric dipole at location r_m to the strength of the electric field at r_n must be the transpose of Chi_E_nm. Similarly, the necessary and sufficient condition for the magnetic susceptibility tensor is Chi_M_mn = Chi^T_M_nm.

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