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Electromagnetic waves in a high density field

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  09 March 2009

Miroslav M. Novak
Affiliation:
Institut für Theoretische Physik, Universität Innsbruck, Sillgasse 8, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria*
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Abstract

Possible modifications of some of the properties of an electromagnetic wave by a medium in which it propagates, are studied. The mechanism for mass generation is investigated. It is shown that, for some purposes, a medium may be replaced by a curved space. Furthermore, if the nonlinear interaction terms between the electromagnetic wave and the curvature of space-time are included, the resulting Maxwell equations are modified. These additional terms may be identified with the photon's mass, which is proportional to the curvature scalar. A laser intensity above 1020 W/cm2 produces a mass of the photons of about 10−5 times the mass of the electrons.

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Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1983

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