English

More on difference between angular momentum and pseudo-angular momentum

Classical Physics 2023-09-15 v1

Abstract

We extend the discussion on the difference between angular momentum and pseudo-angular momentum in field theory. We show that the often quoted expressions in [Phys.Rev.B 103, L100409 (2021)] only apply to a non-linear system, and derive the correct rotation symmetry and the corresponding angular momentum for a linear elastic system governed by Navier-Cauchy equation. By mapping the concepts and methods for the elastic wave into electromagnetic theory, we argue that the renowned canonical and Benlinfante angular momentum of light are actually pseudo-angular momentum. Then, we derive the ``Newtonian" momentum d3xE\int \text{d}^3 x\boldsymbol{E} and angular momentum d3x(r×E)\int \text{d}^3 x (\boldsymbol{r}\times\boldsymbol{E}) for a free electromagnetic wave, which are conserved quantities during propagation in vacuum.

Keywords

Cite

@article{arxiv.2309.07130,
  title  = {More on difference between angular momentum and pseudo-angular momentum},
  author = {Qi Dai and Zi-Wei Chen and Bang-Hui Hua and Xiang-Song Chen},
  journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:2309.07130},
  year   = {2023}
}

Comments

8 pages, no figures

R2 v1 2026-06-28T12:20:34.936Z