Electromagnetic energy-momentum tensors in media

TL;DR

This paper proposes a new, consistent formulation of electromagnetic energy-momentum tensors in media, addressing limitations of previous models by incorporating Lorentz invariance with the reduced speed of light.

Contribution

It introduces a covariant framework that accounts for the medium's properties, resolving longstanding issues with Minkowski and Abraham tensors.

Findings

New tensor formulation is fully consistent with Lorentz invariance.

Addresses and resolves previous inconsistencies in electromagnetic energy-momentum descriptions.

Provides a more accurate theoretical basis for electromagnetic phenomena in media.

Abstract

It is pointed out that the previous energy-momentum tensors of Minkowski and Abraham for the electromagnetic field in continuous media are based on a covariant formulation which does not reflect a symmetry inherent to the system. Instead, taking into account the intrinsic invariance under Lorentz transformations involving the reduced speed of light in such a medium, a compact and fully consistent theory can be formulated without the old problems.