Possible solution of Abraham–Minkowski controversy by generalizing the principle of invariance of light speed

Abstract

Abraham–Minkowski controversy has been discussed from both classical and quantum levels. Here, we shall show that, assuming to generalize the principle of invariance of light speed from vacuum to lossless linear isotropic homogeneous media (LLIHM), a new type of covariant formulations of classical electrodynamics for LLIHM may be derived, which are similar to that for vacuum, and thus, Minkowski form of electromagnetic wave momentum density is obtained from a diagonally symmetric energy–momentum tensor. On the other hand, the momentum–energy relation is modified due to generalization of principle of invariance of light speed, and then, only the Minkowski momentum is obtained by applying wave–particle duality of a photon. Our work reveals close relationship between the principle of invariance of light speed and the Abraham–Minkowski controversy, which may be helpful to deeply understand Abraham–Minkowski controversy.