Infrared problem and spatially local observables in electrodynamics

TL;DR

This paper develops a localized algebraic framework for electrodynamics that incorporates infrared properties and respects Gauss law, avoiding infrared catastrophe in classical current radiation.

Contribution

It introduces a spatially local algebraic structure for electrodynamics that includes infrared features and maintains compatibility with scattering theory.

Findings

Fields are localized in unions of intersecting lightcones.

The model naturally includes infrared characteristics at spacelike infinity.

The approach avoids infrared catastrophe in classical current radiation.

Abstract

An algebra previously proposed as an asymptotic field structure in electrodynamics is considered in respect of localization properties of fields. Fields are 'spatially local' -- localized in regions resulting as unions of two intersecting (solid) lightcones: a future- and a past-lightcone. This localization remains in concord with the usual idealizations connected with the scattering theory. Fields thus localized naturally include infrared characteristics normally placed at spacelike infinity and form a structure respecting Gauss law. When applied to the description of the radiation of an external classical current the model is free of 'infrared catastrophe'.