On the formulations of the electromagnetic stress–energy tensor
B. Anghinoni, G.A.S. Flizikowski, L. C. Malacarne, Mikko Partanen, Stephen E. Bialkowski, Nelson G. C. Astrath
Abstract
In this work, we review the main existing theories for the electromagnetic stress–energy tensor in dielectric media — a problem directly related to the century-long debate regarding the correct momentum of light in dielectric media, known as Abraham–Minkowski controversy. The theoretical validity of the main existing formulations is analyzed in terms of symmetry and invariance requirements for the tensors. We also present position- and time-dependent numerical simulations of the related electromagnetic forces for a lossless nondispersive medium, highlighting the different expected spatial force distributions. The force densities of different formulations drive forward different momentum and atomic number density distributions of the medium contributing to the total momentum and energy densities associated with the coupled field-medium state of light.