Metric-induced principal symbols in nonlinear electrodynamics
Abstract
Abstract We present a geometrical formulation of nonlinear electrodynamics by expressing its principal symbol as an optical metric-induced object. Under the assumption of no birefringence, we show that the evolution of linear perturbations can be recast as a covariant divergence on a curved, field-dependent background, enabling the application of quantum field theory techniques as in Maxwell’s theory in curved backgrounds. This geometric reformulation opens a new route for analog models potentially implementable in laboratory via tailored nonlinear metamaterials.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Nonlinear Photonic Systems
Metamaterials and Metasurfaces Applications
Quantum and Classical Electrodynamics
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Classical and Quantum Gravity
- Publisher
- IOP Publishing
- Volume
- 43
- Issue
- 3
- Pages
- 03LT01–03LT01
- Publication date
- 3 February 2026