Resolution of the Abraham-Minkowski debate: Implications for the electromagnetic wave theory of light in matter

A century has now passed since the origins of the Abraham-Minkowski controversy pertaining to the correct form of optical momentum in media. Experiment and theory have been applied at both the classical and quantum levels in attempt to resolve the debate. The result of these efforts is the identification of Abraham’s kinetic momentum as being responsible for the overall center of mass translations of a medium and Minkowski’s canonical or wave momentum as being responsible for translations within or with respect to a medium. In spite of the recent theoretical developments, much confusion still exists regarding the appropriate theory required to predict experimental outcomes and to develop new applications. In this paper, the resolution of the longstanding Abraham-Minkowski controversy is reviewed. The resolution is presented using classical electromagnetic theory and logical interpretation of experiments disseminated over the previous century. Emphasis is placed on applied physics applications: modeling optical manipulation of cells and particles. Although the basic interpretation of optical momentum has been resolved, there is still some uncertainly regarding the complete form of the momentum continuity equation describing electromagnetics. Thus, while a complete picture of electrodynamics has still yet to be fully interpreted, this correspondence should help clarify the state-of-the-art view.