On the angular momentum and spin of generalized electromagnetic field for r-vectors in (k, n) space-time dimensions

Abstract

This paper studies the relativistic angular momentum for the generalized electromagnetic field, described by r-vectors in (k, n) space-time dimensions, with exterioralgebraic methods. First, the angular-momentum tensor is derived from the invariance of the Lagrangian to space-time rotations (Lorentz transformations), avoiding the explicit need of the canonical tensor in Noether’s theorem. The derivation proves the conservation law of angular momentum for generic values of r, k, and n. Second, an integral expression for the flux of the tensor across a (k + n − 1)-dimensional surface of constant -th space-time coordinate is provided in terms of the normal modes of the field; this analysis is a natural generalization of the standard analysis of electromagnetism, i. e. a three-dimensional space integral at constant time. Third, a brief discussion on the orbital angular momentum and the spin of the generalized electromagnetic field, including their expression in complex-valued circular polarizations, is provided for generic values of r, k, and n.