1. •Cartan formalism for Maxwell's equations.
   

2. •Solving Maxwell's equations; Green functions for Laplacian, d'Albertian.
   

3. •EM waves, polarization & stokes parameters.
   

4. •Liénard-Wiechert potential; velocity, acceleration fields for moving charge.
   

5. •Radiation theory; velocity and acceleration fields in three dimensions.
   

6. •Non-relativistic Larmor formula and relativistic Liénard radiation formula.
   

7. •Linear & circular accelerated motion; radiation in constant magnetic field.
   

8. •Angular distribution of relativistic radiation; electric & magnetic elements.
   

9. •Radiation during collisions, Bremsstrahlung; Introduction to radiation damping; scattering and absorbtion of radiation
   

10. •Envoi: quantum chromodynamics and the unified electroweak interaction.

Course Overview

Course Details

Instructor: Tristan McLoughlin

Times:

1. •Monday 17:00-17:50 (Synge Theatre)
   

2. •Tuesday 12:00-12:50 &: 14:00-14:50 (Synge Theatre)
   

Office hours/Tutorials: Thursday 11am (location New Seminar Room) or upon appointment (contact by email beforehand)

Textbooks:

1. 1.Classical Electrodynamics, J. David Jackson, John Wiley (3rd edition) 1998.
   

2. 2.Classical Theory of Fields, L. D. Landau & E. M. Lifshitz, Heinemann, 1972.
   

Grading:

1. •Homework counts for 15% of final grade. Each set is handed out on Wednesday and due the following Wednesday at the beginning of class. The final homework grade is based on the best 8 homeworks (from a total of 9). Collaboration is allowed however each student should hand in their own version of the solutions.
   

2. •Final exam counts for the remaining 85%.

Image from Nasa