Complex aberration effect in moving dispersive DNG media: a spacetime algebra approach

- Matos, S.A.; Canto, João R.; Paiva, C. R.; Barbosa, A.;

"PIERS Online Vol. 4 , No. 6 , pp. 611 - 614 , June , 2008 .

ISSN (online): 1931-7360



Abstract

Using spacetime algebra, the Doppler shift, aberration and the refractive index covariance, relating the co-moving and laboratory frames, are readily obtained. Lorentz transformations and the cumbersome constitutive relations in the laboratory frame are circumvented altogether. The theory of a moving double-negative medium (DNG) is developed by using a lossless model to account for material dispersion. The normal surfaces and the Doppler effect are analyzed. We show that a complex index of refraction may arise in the laboratory frame as a result of a complex aberration effect. A physical interpretation for this new type of aberration is also presented.