- #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.