'Macroscopic Electrodynamics' (ME) is a comprehensive two-semester introductory graduate level textbook on classical electrodynamics for use in physics and engineering programs. The word 'macroscopic' is intended to indicate both the large-scale nature of the theory, as well as the emphasis placed upon applications of the so-called macroscopic Maxwell equations to idealized media.
ME emphasizes principles and practical methods of analysis, which are often presented in fresh and original ways. Illustrative examples are carefully chosen to promote the students' physical intuition, and are worked out in detail to give students a thorough grounding in solution techniques. The style is informal yet mathematically sound, and presumes only a basic familiarity with electrodynamics such as that obtained in a one-semester junior-level undergraduate class.
At the end of each chapter, many original problems are provided with illustrations or expanded upon specific sections of the text. The problems are at the heart of the text and are meant to encourage students, develop confidence, and emphasize ideas while avoiding both oversimplification and inordinate calculational difficulties.
Contents:
- Preface to the Second Edition
- Preface to the First Edition
- Introduction and Perspectives
- Introduction to Electrostatics
- Boundary Value Problems in Electrostatics
- Electrostatics in Cylindrical and Spherical Coordinates
- Multipoles, Electrostatics of Macroscopic Media, Dielectrics
- Magnetostatics
- Time Varying Fields I
- Time Varying Fields II
- Plane Electrodynamic Waves and Propagation in Matter
- Waveguides and Resonant Cavities
- Radiation of Systems and Point Particles
- Scattering and Diffraction
- Relativistic Formulations of Electrodynamics
- Special Topics
- Appendix A: Appendix on Electromagnetic Units
- Appendix B: Fundamental Concepts in Electrodynamics
- Fundamental Concepts Index
- Index
Readership: Graduate students in Theoretical Physics.
Key Features:
- Unlike many other books on the same subject, this book is specifically prepared for graduate students at the incoming level. The material has been thoroughly "field-tested": refined and adapted the content based on the first author's experience in teaching the full graduate course approximately 10 times over the past 20 years
- The authors bring depth and a variety of perspectives to the subject. Walter Wilcox is a particle physicist, and is able to identify and emphasize key points of contact between classical electromagnetism and modern subatomic physics. Chris Thron has practical experience in wireless communication and mathematical modeling, as well as a background in mathematical physics. By combining backgrounds, the authors approach the subject with both physical insight and mathematical rigor
- The exercises are a particularly valuable resource. They are well-integrated into the text, and are carefully designed to reinforce concepts and to challenge students at the appropriate level of difficulty. A solutions manual is planned to accompany the text. This is unusual at this level and will appeal to instructors with compressed teaching responsibilities
