Electromagnetic force distribution inside matter

Abstract

Using the Finite Difference Time Domain method, we solve Maxwell's equations numerically and compute the distribution of electromagnetic fields and forces inside material media. The media are generally specified by their dielectric permittivity epsilon(w) and magnetic permeability mu(w), representing small, transparent dielectric and magnetic objects such as platelets and micro-beads. Using two formulations of the electromagnetic force-density, one due to H. A. Lorentz [Collected Papers 2, 164 (1892)], the other due to A. Einstein and J. Laub [Ann, Phys. 331, 541 (1908)], we show that the force-density distribution inside a given object can differ substantially between the two formulations. This is remarkable, considering that the total force experienced by the object is always the same, irrespective of whether the Lorentz or the Einstein-Laub formula is employed. The differences between the two formulations should be accessible to measurement in deformable objects.