A point particle of charge q has trajectory yμ(τ) in Minkowski space, where τ is its proper time. The resulting electromagnetic field is given by the Liénard-Wiechert 4-potential
Aμ(x)=−4πqμ0cRν(τ∗)uν(τ∗)uμ(τ∗), where Rν=xν−yν(τ) and uμ=dyμ/dτ
Write down the condition that determines the point yμ(τ∗) on the trajectory of the particle for a given value of xμ. Express this condition in terms of components, setting xμ=(ct,x) and yμ=(ct′,y), and define the retarded time tr.
Suppose that the 3 -velocity of the particle v(t′)=y˙(t′)=dy/dt′ is small in size compared to c, and suppose also that r=∣x∣≫∣y∣. Working to leading order in 1/r and to first order in v, show that
ϕ(x)=4πrqμ0c(c+r^⋅v(tr)),A(x)=4πrqμ0v(tr), where r^=x/r
Now assume that tr can be replaced by t−=t−(r/c) in the expressions for ϕ and A above. Calculate the electric and magnetic fields to leading order in 1/r and hence show that the Poynting vector is (in this approximation)
N(x)=(4π)2cq2μ0r2r^∣r^×v˙(t−)∣2
If the charge q is performing simple harmonic motion y(t′)=Ancosωt′, where n is a unit vector and Aω≪c, find the total energy radiated during one period of oscillation.