Symmetric and conserved energy-momentum tensors in moving media

Abstract

A symmetric and conserved energy-momentum tensor for a scalar field in a moving medium is derived using the Gordon metric. When applied to an electromagnetic field, the method gives a similar result. This approach thus points a way out of the old Abraham-Minkowski controversy about the correct energy-momentum tensors for the electromagnetic field in a material medium. The new tensor describes the properties of the field while the Abraham tensor contains information about the field coupled to the medium.