Abraham–Lorentz force
Book Blurb: Abraham–Lorentz Force
Delve into the intricate world of electrodynamics with Abraham–Lorentz Force, a comprehensive exploration that spans over a century of scientific discovery. This book takes you on a journey from the foundational principles of classical electrodynamics, as established by Maxwell and Lorentz, through the early developments in radiation reaction and the formulation of the non-relativistic Abraham–Lorentz force. It then ventures into the realm of relativity with detailed analyses of the Abraham–Lorentz–Dirac equation and its modern extensions, including alternate formulations such as the Landau–Lifshitz approach.
At its core, Abraham–Lorentz Force bridges the gap between theory and experiment. Readers will discover advanced theoretical perspectives, delve into experimental investigations that test these ideas, and explore how collective phenomena in plasmas and quantum theories converge to shape our understanding of self-interaction. The latter chapters address future directions and unresolved questions, challenging the reader to consider the classical–quantum transition, self-force problems in quantum gravity and string theory, and even the quest for a grand unified theory.
Structured into twelve meticulously organized chapters, the book begins with:
• Chapter 1: Foundations of Classical Electrodynamics – Laying the groundwork with Maxwell’s equations and the Lorentz force.
• Chapter 2: Early Developments in Radiation Reaction – Tracing the pioneering work that first identified the self-interaction of accelerating charges.
• Chapter 3: The Non-Relativistic Abraham–Lorentz Force – Analyzing the classical self-force in low-speed regimes.
• Chapter 4: Relativistic Extensions and the Abraham–Lorentz–Dirac Equation – Extending the theory into the relativistic domain.
• Chapter 5: Alternate Formulations and the Landau–Lifshitz Approach – Introducing pragmatic alternatives that avoid pathological predictions.
• Chapter 6: Advanced Theoretical Perspectives – Exploring cutting-edge ideas that push the boundaries of current models.
• Chapter 7: Experimental Investigations and Observations – Reviewing key experiments that validate and challenge theoretical predictions.
• Chapter 8: Collective Phenomena in Plasmas – Examining how self-interaction affects the dynamics of complex plasma systems.
• Chapter 9: Connections to Quantum Theories – Linking classical concepts to quantum electrodynamics and beyond.
• Chapter 10: Future Directions and Unresolved Questions – Highlighting emerging research frontiers and ongoing challenges.
• Chapter 11: Appendices – Providing essential mathematical identities, notational conventions, and historical documents.
• Chapter 12: Analysis of References in Electrodynamics and Radiation Reaction – Evaluating the significance and impact of seminal works in the field.
This book is an indispensable resource for PhD students, researchers, and professionals seeking to gain a deep, nuanced understanding of radiation reaction and self-interaction. It blends rigorous theory with practical insights, supported by extensive historical context and modern experimental evidence. With clear explanations, vivid analogies, and carefully structured content, Abraham–Lorentz Force not only encapsulates the evolution of electrodynamics but also illuminates the future directions of this dynamic field.
