1 Electromagnetic Fields and Origin of Light
In this chapter we review the concepts of
- electric and magnetic fields, E and H
- the vector and scalar potentials, A and φ
- the Hertz vector potential, π
We describe how to use the potentials to find E and H. discuss some properties of electromagnetic waves, and review a few fundamental concepts of quantum mechanics pertaining to the generation of light from moving charges and atoms.
1.1 Introduction
The importance of light to us is self evident. Our vision, arguably the most important of all our senses, is enabled by light. The energy needed for life to flourish on earth travels from the sun mainly in the form of light; light from other stars gives us the information needed to understand the universe; ...
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