Considerations on electromagnetic radiation in Podolsky electrodynamics within a Lorentz-symmetry violating framework

TL;DR

This paper investigates how higher-order derivatives and Lorentz-symmetry violation alter electromagnetic properties in Podolsky electrodynamics, revealing birefringence, dichroism, and Cherenkov-like radiation effects.

Contribution

It introduces a combined framework of Podolsky electrodynamics with Lorentz-symmetry violation, analyzing novel electromagnetic phenomena and photon mass oscillations.

Findings

Vacuum becomes birefringent, dichroic, and dispersive.

Photon acquires a non-zero mass due to higher derivatives and LSV.

Charged particles emit Cherenkov-like radiation in the modified vacuum.

Abstract

We explore how higher-order derivative terms impact a physical observable within a Lorentz-Symmetry Violating (LSV) framework. We specifically examine Podolsky electrodynamics coupled with the Carroll-Field-Jackiw model (CFJ). Our analysis shows how vacuum and wave propagation are affected by the interaction of LSV parameters with properties of Podolsky electrodynamics. In this scenario, our results indicate that the new electromagnetic vacuum is birefringent, dichroic, and dispersive. We also point out that the higher-derivative term in the presence of the CFJ space-time anisotropy induces an oscillation mechanism between the photon, which acquires a non-vanishing mass, and the massive vector mode carried by the higher derivative. We then investigate the electromagnetic radiation emitted by a moving charged particle interacting with this new medium. Our analysis reveals that the refractive vacuum through which the charged particle travels influences the electromagnetic radiation, leading to a profile similar to the Cherenkov effect.