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

AI Thread Summary
In the discussion about the conditions for the vector potential in the Coulomb gauge, it is established that the divergence of the vector potential must equal zero, represented mathematically as ∇·A(r, t) = 0. This leads to the conclusion that for each Fourier component, the condition k·A_k(t) = 0 must hold true, rather than the sum of all Fourier coefficients being zero. Additionally, a reality condition for the vector potential, A = A*, is mentioned, though it is not directly related to the Coulomb gauge. The conversation highlights the need for clarity on the specific conditions required for the application of the Coulomb gauge in electromagnetic theory. Understanding these conditions is crucial for correctly applying the gauge in theoretical physics contexts.
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



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

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

Question:

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

The Attempt at a Solution



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

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

That would mean that the sum of the Fourier coefficients \vec{A}_1(t) + \vec{A}_2(t) + \vec{A}_3(t) + ... 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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Observer Two said:
If I didn't miscalculate, \nabla \cdot \vec{A}(\vec{r}, t) = \sum\limits_{k} \vec{A}_k(t) \vec{k} e^{i \vec{k} \vec{r}}

That would mean that the sum of the Fourier coefficients \vec{A}_1(t) + \vec{A}_2(t) + \vec{A}_3(t) + ... 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
{\bf k} \cdot {\bf A}_{\bf k}(t) = 0.

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.
 
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