Satisfying Coulomb Gauge: What are the Conditions for Vector Potential?

In summary, the free electromagnetic field in a charge and current free cubic box with edge length L and volume V is studied by using a vector potential given by a Fourier series. To apply the Coulomb gauge, the Fourier coefficients \vec{A}_k(t) must satisfy two conditions: the first being that the sum of the Fourier coefficients must be 0, and the second being that for each k, {\bf k} \cdot {\bf A}_{\bf k}(t) = 0. There may also be a reality condition if the original A is real.
  • #1
Observer Two
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Homework Statement



We study the free electromagnetic field in a charge and current free cubic box with with edge length L and volume V. The vector potential in such a system is given via Fourier series:


Homework Equations



[itex]\vec{A}(\vec{r}, t) = \sum\limits_{k} \vec{A}_k(t) e^{i \vec{k} \vec{r}}[/itex]

With: [itex]\vec{k} = 2 \pi \begin{pmatrix} \frac{n_x}{L} \\ \frac{n_y}{L} \\ \frac{n_z}{L} \end{pmatrix} [/itex]

Question:

Which 2 conditions must [itex]\vec{A}_k(t)[/itex] satisfy so that the Coulomb gauge applies?

The Attempt at a Solution



Coulomb gauge means: [itex]\nabla \cdot \vec{A}(\vec{r}, t) = 0[/itex]

If I didn't miscalculate, [itex]\nabla \cdot \vec{A}(\vec{r}, t) = \sum\limits_{k} \vec{A}_k(t) \vec{k} e^{i \vec{k} \vec{r}}[/itex]

That would mean that the sum of the Fourier coefficients [itex]\vec{A}_1(t) + \vec{A}_2(t) + \vec{A}_3(t) + ...[/itex] must be 0

That would be 1 condition (if I did it correctly to begin with). But what is the second condition?

Any help appriciated.
 
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  • #2
Observer Two said:
If I didn't miscalculate, [itex]\nabla \cdot \vec{A}(\vec{r}, t) = \sum\limits_{k} \vec{A}_k(t) \vec{k} e^{i \vec{k} \vec{r}}[/itex]

That would mean that the sum of the Fourier coefficients [itex]\vec{A}_1(t) + \vec{A}_2(t) + \vec{A}_3(t) + ...[/itex] must be 0

I don't know about two conditions.

but, transversality (div A=0) says not that the sum of
all of the Fourier components is 0, but instead that for each k
[tex] {\bf k} \cdot {\bf A}_{\bf k}(t) = 0.[/tex]

just brainstorming:
If your original A was real you also have a reality condition that A=A*,
that'll give you another condition but has nothing to do with the Coulomb gauge.
 

FAQ: Satisfying Coulomb Gauge: What are the Conditions for Vector Potential?

1. What is Coulomb gauge in electromagnetism?

Coulomb gauge is a choice of gauge in electromagnetism that simplifies the equations by setting the divergence of the vector potential to zero. This means that the vector potential satisfies the Coulomb gauge condition, which can be written as ∇ · A = 0.

2. Why is satisfying Coulomb gauge important?

Satisfying the Coulomb gauge condition can simplify the equations of electromagnetism, making them easier to solve. It also has physical significance, as it ensures that the electric field is only determined by the charge distribution and not by the vector potential.

3. What are the conditions for a vector potential to satisfy Coulomb gauge?

In order for a vector potential to satisfy Coulomb gauge, it must have a divergence of zero (∇ · A = 0). This is equivalent to saying that the vector potential is a solenoidal vector field, meaning that it has no sources or sinks.

4. Can any vector potential be written in Coulomb gauge?

No, not all vector potentials can be written in Coulomb gauge. The Coulomb gauge condition places a constraint on the vector potential, so not all vector fields can satisfy it. However, in many cases, it is possible to find a vector potential that satisfies Coulomb gauge.

5. How does Coulomb gauge relate to other gauge choices in electromagnetism?

Coulomb gauge is just one of many possible choices of gauge in electromagnetism. It is often used in conjunction with the Lorenz gauge, which also simplifies the equations by setting the divergence of the vector potential to zero. However, unlike the Lorenz gauge, Coulomb gauge does not fully determine the vector potential, as it still allows for certain gauge transformations.

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