Comments on initial conditions for the Abraham-Lorentz(-Dirac) equation

TL;DR

This paper discusses how applying physical initial conditions, such as no incoming radiation, can resolve longstanding issues in the Abraham-Lorentz(-Dirac) equations describing a charged particle's self-force due to its electromagnetic radiation.

Contribution

It introduces an Effective Field Theory approach with physical initial conditions to address problems in the classical radiation reaction equations.

Findings

Applying no incoming radiation initial conditions resolves inconsistencies

Effective Field Theory framework clarifies radiation reaction dynamics

Improves understanding of self-force in classical electrodynamics

Abstract

An accelerating electric charge coupled to its own electromagnetic (EM) field both emits radiation and experiences the radiation's reaction as a (self-)force. Considering the system from an Effective Field Theory perspective, and using the physical initial conditions of no incoming radiation can help resolve many of the problems associated with the often considered "notorious" Abraham-Lorentz / Abraham-Lorentz-Dirac equations.