Part 2: Charged Particles in Electromagnetic Fields
The main topics of this part of the course include
four potential of a field, electromagnetic field tensors,
Lorentz transformation of the field, gauge invariance,
and Maxwell equations expressed in the covariant form.
We will emphasize the use of least action principle,
Lagrangian, and Hamiltonian for describing the relativistic
charged particle motion in the external fields and
for electromagnetic fields.
We are hopeful that Parts 1 and 2 will lay down the foundation
for mastering the relativistic electrodynamics.
Part 3: Radiation by Moving Charges
Liénard-Wiechert potentials and radiation theory are studied
as core examples of applying the relativistic electrodynamics
to real physics problems. We will learn how and why accelerated
charges radiate.
We will cover some interesting topics, including spatial and
spectral properties of charged particle radiation using
examples of particle radiation in bending magnets,
undulators, and wigglers.
Part 4: More Topics
We plan to cover topics of collisions, energy loss and scattering of
charged particles by focusing on
Cherenkov radiation and transition radiation.
Part 5: Other Physics Topics
If we complete the ambitious curriculum above, we may discuss
other selected topics in plasma physics, scattering,
physical media, optics, and others.
You are welcome to sign up for a research project related to
one of these special topics.