Quantum Electromagnetics: A New Look, Part I∗

Quantization of the electromagnetic field has been a fascinating and important subject since its inception. This subject topic will be discussed in its simplest terms so that it can be easily understood by a larger community of researchers. A new way of motivating Hamiltonian mechanics is presented together with a novel way of deriving the quantum equations of motion for electromagnetics. All equations of motion here are derived using the generalized Lorenz gauge with vector and scalar potential formulation. It is well known that the vector potential manifests itself in the Aharonov-Bohm effect. By advocating this formulation, it is expected that more quantum effects can be easily incorporated in electromagnetic calculations. Using similar approach, the quantization of electromagnetic fields in reciprocal, anisotropic, inhomogeneous media is presented. Finally, the Green’s function technique is described when the quantum system is linear time invariant. These quantum equations of motion for Maxwell’s equations portend well for a better understanding of quantum effects in many technologies.