Energy-momentum balance in quantum dielectrics

TL;DR

This paper investigates the energy-momentum dynamics in quantum dielectrics like Bose-Einstein condensates, clarifying the roles of Minkowski and Abraham momenta and linking the controversy to the Roentgen interaction.

Contribution

It provides a theoretical analysis explaining the Minkowski and Abraham momentum behaviors in quantum dielectrics and relates the controversy to the Roentgen interaction.

Findings

Variations of Minkowski momentum affect phase in quantum dielectrics.

The Abraham tensor governs the dielectric flow.

The Abraham-Minkowski controversy is rooted in the Roentgen interaction.

Abstract

We calculate the energy-momentum balance in quantum dielectrics such as Bose-Einstein condensates. In agreement with the experiment [G. K. Campbell et al. Phys. Rev. Lett. 94, 170403 (2005)] variations of the Minkowski momentum are imprinted onto the phase, whereas the Abraham tensor drives the flow of the dielectric. Our analysis indicates that the Abraham-Minkowski controversy has its root in the Roentgen interaction of the electromagnetic field in dielectric media.