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Energy, linear momentum, and mass transfer by an electromagnetic wave in a negative-refraction medium

 a, b
a Prokhorov General Physics Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences, ul. Vavilova 38, Moscow, 119991, Russian Federation
b Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (National Research University), Institutskii per. 9, Dolgoprudny, Moscow Region, 141700, Russian Federation

The problem of photon linear momentum in a refracting medium is discussed. It is shown that the relations P = ħk and ΔM = E/c2 cannot hold simultaneously in a refracting medium and that in the particular case of a negative-refraction medium, light pressure is replaced by light attraction. It is also shown that the Abraham energy — momentum tensor is actually not a tensor because of its lack of relativistic invariance.

Fulltext pdf (294 KB)
Fulltext is also available at DOI: 10.3367/UFNe.0179.200906j.0689
PACS: 03.50.De, 41.20.Jb, 42.25.Bs (all)
DOI: 10.3367/UFNe.0179.200906j.0689
URL: https://ufn.ru/en/articles/2009/6/i/
000271221900009
2-s2.0-70449380630
2009PhyU...52..649V
Citation: Veselago V G "Energy, linear momentum, and mass transfer by an electromagnetic wave in a negative-refraction medium" Phys. Usp. 52 649–654 (2009)
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Оригинал: Веселаго В Г «Перенос энергии, импульса и массы при распространении электромагнитной волны в среде с отрицательным преломлением» УФН 179 689–694 (2009); DOI: 10.3367/UFNr.0179.200906j.0689

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