This article is cited in 18 papers

METHODOLOGICAL NOTES

First-order relativistic effects in the electrodynamics of media moving with a nonuniform velocity

N. N. Rozanov, G. B. Sochilin

All-Russian Scientific Center "S. I. Vavilov State Optical Institute", Research Institute for Laser Physics

Abstract: A systematic theory of first-order electrodynamic relativistic effects in media moving with a spatially nonuniform velocity is presented. A geometrical optics approach is developed and used to calculate the bending of rays and the change of polarization characteristics of radiation propagating through a continuous medium moving with a nonuniform velocity. Nonreciprocal (i.e., propagation direction-dependent) waveguides and lenses in media moving with a transversely nonuniform velocity are demonstrated. Radiation scattering (diffraction) by localized velocity nonuniformities is studied. Peculiarities of propagation of short-wave (X-ray) radiation in a moving medium are discussed, and some prospects for experimentation are reviewed.

PACS: 03.30.+p, 03.50.De, 41.20.-q, 42.25.-p

Received: October 10, 2005

DOI: 10.3367/UFNr.0176.200604f.0421

 English version: Physics–Uspekhi, 2006, 49:4, 407–424

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