Canonical quantization of macroscopic electromagnetism

TL;DR

This paper develops a canonical quantization framework for macroscopic electromagnetism in complex media, providing a rigorous foundation that connects phenomenological approaches with fundamental quantum field theory principles.

Contribution

It introduces a canonical quantization method for macroscopic electromagnetism applicable to inhomogeneous, magnetodielectric media, bridging the gap with phenomenological models.

Findings

Derived canonical quantization prescriptions from fundamental theory

Applicable to media with dielectric functions obeying Kramers-Kronig relations

Provides a consistent quantum framework for complex materials

Abstract

Application of the standard canonical quantization rules of quantum field theory to macroscopic electromagnetism has encountered obstacles due to material dispersion and absorption. This has led to a phenomenological approach to macroscopic quantum electrodynamics where no canonical formulation is attempted. In this paper macroscopic electromagnetism is canonically quantized. The results apply to any linear, inhomogeneous, magnetodielectric medium with dielectric functions that obey the Kramers-Kronig relations. The prescriptions of the phenomenological approach are derived from the canonical theory.