Self-consistent theory for a plane wave in a moving medium and light-momentum criterion

TL;DR

This paper develops a self-consistent relativistic theory for plane waves in moving media, introduces a light-momentum criterion, and reveals novel properties of electromagnetic waves, including conditions for negative energy density and left-handed waves.

Contribution

It presents the first light-momentum criterion and a comprehensive relativistic analysis of plane waves in moving media, revealing new fundamental properties and the concept of intrinsic Lorentz violation.

Findings

Poynting vector may not represent EM power flow in moving media

Minkowski momentum and energy form a Lorentz four-vector

No momentum transfer occurs between wave and medium

Abstract

A self-consistent theory is developed based on the principle of relativity for a plane wave in a moving non-dispersive, lossless, non-conducting, isotropic, uniform medium. A light-momentum criterion is set up for the first time, which states that the momentum of light in a medium is parallel to the wave vector in all inertial frames of reference. By rigorous analysis, novel basic properties of the plane wave are exposed: (a) Poynting vector does not necessarily represent the electromagnetic (EM) power flow when a medium moves; (b) Minkowski light momentum and energy constitute a Lorentz four-vector in a form of single EM-field cell or single photon, and Planck constant is a Lorentz invariant; (c) there is no momentum transfer taking place between the plane wave and the uniform medium, and the EM momentum conservation equation cannot be uniquely determined without resorting to the principle of relativity; and (d) when the medium moves opposite to the wave vector at a faster-than-dielectric light speed, negative frequency and negative EM energy density occur, with the plane wave becoming left-handed. Finally, a new physics of so-called "intrinsic Lorentz violation" is presented as well.