On the origin of photon mass, momentum, and energy in a dielectric medium [Invited]

authored by: Nikolai B. Chichkov, Boris N. Chichkov
Abstract: The debate and controversy concerning the momentum of light in a dielectric medium (Abraham vs Minkowski) is well-known and still not fully resolved. In this paper, we investigate the origin of both momenta in the frame of special relativity by considering photons in media as relativistic quasiparticles. We demonstrate for the first time to the best of our knowledge that the Minkowski form of the photon mass, momentum, and energy follows directly from the relativistic energy conservation law. We introduce a new expression for the momentum of light in a dispersive medium, consistent with the experimentally observed propagation of photons at the group velocity. Finally, the effect of light-induced optical stretching is discussed, which can be used for experimental verification of the existing expressions for the photon momentum.
Organisation(s): Institute of Quantum Optics
QuantumFrontiers
External Organisation(s): Aston University
Type: Article
Journal: Optical materials express
Volume: 11
Pages: 2722-2729
No. of pages: 8
ISSN: 2159-3930
Publication date: 08.2021
Publication status: Published
Peer reviewed: Yes
ASJC Scopus subject areas: Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials
Sustainable Development Goals: SDG 7 - Affordable and Clean Energy
Electronic version(s): https://doi.org/10.1364/OME.436306 (Access: Open)

BibTeX

@article{8ee2207757a248b689da075c2e06f2c9,
title = "On the origin of photon mass, momentum, and energy in a dielectric medium [Invited]",
abstract = "The debate and controversy concerning the momentum of light in a dielectric medium (Abraham vs Minkowski) is well-known and still not fully resolved. In this paper, we investigate the origin of both momenta in the frame of special relativity by considering photons in media as relativistic quasiparticles. We demonstrate for the first time to the best of our knowledge that the Minkowski form of the photon mass, momentum, and energy follows directly from the relativistic energy conservation law. We introduce a new expression for the momentum of light in a dispersive medium, consistent with the experimentally observed propagation of photons at the group velocity. Finally, the effect of light-induced optical stretching is discussed, which can be used for experimental verification of the existing expressions for the photon momentum.",
author = "Chichkov, {Nikolai B.} and Chichkov, {Boris N.}",
note = "Funding Information: Acknowledgments. NBC has received funding from the European Union{\textquoteright}s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under the Marie Sk{\l}odowska-Curie grant agreement No 843801. BNC acknowledges financial support from the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG, German Research Foundation) under Germany{\textquoteright}s Excellence Strategy within the Cluster of Excellence PhoenixD (EXC 2122, Project ID 390833453) and the Cluster of Excellence QuantumFrontiers (EXC 2123, Project ID 390837967).",
year = "2021",
month = aug,
doi = "10.1364/OME.436306",
language = "English",
volume = "11",
pages = "2722--2729",
journal = "Optical materials express",
issn = "2159-3930",
publisher = "OSA - The Optical Society",
number = "8",
}