Abstract
The Hamiltonian for a charged particle in an electromagnetic field is usually presented in terms of the electromagnetic potentials A and φ. However for discussions of a large number of atomic and molecular properties, it is more convenient to have available a Hamiltonian which is expressed directly in terms of the more familiar electric field E and magnetic induction B. Here it is shown that one can construct a generalized velocity-dependent potential function of E and B, which yields the correct expression for the Lorentz force (truncated after the electric quadrupole, magnetic dipole terms). From this generalized potential the corresponding classical Lagrangian and Hamiltonian are obtained directly in terms of E and B. The transition to a quantum mechanical [E, B]-dependent Hamiltonian operator is considered, and we list a variety of, static as well as time-dependent, atomic and molecular properties which can be discussed in a unified way using this Hamiltonian as a starting point.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.