Electromagnetic Radiation

Viac o knihe

This graduate-level book on classical electrodynamics emphasizes electromagnetic radiation, aiming to efficiently introduce essential concepts for practicing physicists. It covers light interactions and extends to radio frequency radiation, x-rays, and more. The focus on applications is complemented by numerous exercises and problems. The structure conveys fundamental concepts rigorously, with detailed derivations often placed in side notes or end-of-chapter discussions. The book is divided into four parts: Part I reviews basic electricity and magnetism, providing a concise overview of key topics. Part II explores the origins of radiation, discussing time variations of charge and current densities, along with Jefimenko's field equations derived from retarded potentials. Part III introduces special relativity and its connection to Maxwell's equations, including relativistic field theory and the treatment of radiation from accelerating charges, featuring a chapter on the unresolved issue of radiation reaction. Part IV addresses practical problems of electromagnetic radiation interacting with matter, covering energy transport, scattering, diffraction, and an application-oriented discussion of fields in confined environments.