Consistency of a causal theory of radiative reaction with the optical theorem

Authors

F. Intravaia, Los Alamos National Laboratory Theoretical Division
R. Behunin, Center for Nonlinear Studies
P. W. Milonni, Los Alamos National Laboratory Theoretical Division
G. W. Ford, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
R. F. O'Connell, Louisiana State University

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

9-29-2011

Abstract

The (nonrelativistic) Abraham-Lorentz equation of motion for a point electron, while suffering from runaway solutions and an acausal response to external forces, is compatible with the optical theorem. We show that a nonrelativistic theory of radiative reaction that allows for a finite charge distribution is not only causal and free of runaway solutions but also consistent with the optical theorem and the standard formulas for the Rayleigh and Thomson scattering cross sections. © 2011 American Physical Society.

Publication Source (Journal or Book title)

Physical Review A - Atomic, Molecular, and Optical Physics

Recommended Citation

Intravaia, F., Behunin, R., Milonni, P., Ford, G., & O'Connell, R. (2011). Consistency of a causal theory of radiative reaction with the optical theorem. Physical Review A - Atomic, Molecular, and Optical Physics, 84 (3) https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevA.84.035801