On diffraction within a dielectric medium as an example of the Minkowski formulation of optical momentum

Padgett, M.J. (2008) On diffraction within a dielectric medium as an example of the Minkowski formulation of optical momentum. Optics Express, 16(25), pp. 20864-20868. (doi: 10.1364/OE.16.020864)

Abstract

The Abraham-Minkowski dilemma relates to the disputed value of the optical momentum within a dielectric medium and whether the free-space value should be divided (Abraham) or multiplied (Minkowski) by the refractive index. Although undoubtedly simplistic, these two approaches provide intuitive insight to many subtle problems in optical physics. This paper reviews a modified version of the Einstein box argument that supports an Abraham formulation, then considers diffraction within a dielectric medium and shows it supports a simple Minkowski formulation, i.e. that the optical momentum should be multiplied by the refractive index.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Padgett, Professor Miles
• Authors: Padgett, M.J.
• College/School: College of Science and Engineering > School of Physics and Astronomy
• Journal Name: Optics Express
• Publisher: Optical Society of America
• ISSN: 1094-4087
• ISSN (Online): 1094-4087
• Published Online: 02 December 2008
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2008 Optical Society of America
• First Published: First published in Optics Express 16(25)
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher

Project Code	Award No	Project Name	Principal Investigator	Funder's Name	Funder Ref	Lead Dept
37918	1	The Abraham vs Minowski dilemma - an experimental resolution?	Miles Padgett	Engineering & Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC)	EP/C533488/1	Physics and Astronomy