Consistency of a causal theory of radiative reaction with the optical theorem

F. Intravaia, R. Behunin, P. W. Milonni, G. W. Ford, and R. F. O’Connell
Phys. Rev. A 84, 035801 – Published 29 September 2011

Abstract

The (nonrelativistic) Abraham-Lorentz equation of motion for a point electron, while suffering from runaway solutions and an acausal response to external forces, is compatible with the optical theorem. We show that a nonrelativistic theory of radiative reaction that allows for a finite charge distribution is not only causal and free of runaway solutions but also consistent with the optical theorem and the standard formulas for the Rayleigh and Thomson scattering cross sections.

  • Figure
  • Received 23 June 2011

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevA.84.035801

©2011 American Physical Society

Authors & Affiliations

F. Intravaia

  • Theoretical Division, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, New Mexico 87545, USA

R. Behunin

  • Center for Nonlinear Studies and Theoretical Division, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, New Mexico 87545, USA

P. W. Milonni

  • Theoretical Division, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, New Mexico 87545, USA and Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York 14627, USA

G. W. Ford

  • Department of Physics,University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109-1120, USA

R. F. O’Connell

  • Department of Physics and Astronomy, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70803-4001, USA

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Issue

Vol. 84, Iss. 3 — September 2011

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