A simple derivation of the equation of motion for classical electrodynamics

The equation of motion recently obtained by the author is derived by an elementary method. In addition, this paper contains a careful analysis of three well-known derivations of the (incorrect) Lorentz-Dirac equation, identifying their flaws. The fundamental error in each case is a failure to appreciate that the rate of change of field momentum affects the particle differently according to whether it is an applied field or the self-field. This fundamental physical error can be understood with the aid of a simple analogy.     

CGHS Black Hole Analog Moving Mirror and Its Relativistic Quantum Information as Radiation Reaction

The Callan–Giddings–Harvey–Strominger black hole has a spectrum and temperature that correspond to an accelerated reflecting boundary condition in flat spacetime. The beta coefficients are identical to a moving mirror model, where the acceleration is exponential in laboratory time. The center of the black hole is modeled by the perfectly reflecting regularity condition that red-shifts the field modes, which is the source of the particle creation. In addition to computing the energy flux, we find the corresponding moving mirror parameter associated with the black hole mass and the cosmological constant in the gravitational analog system. Generalized to any mirror trajectory, we derive the self-force (Lorentz–Abraham–Dirac), consistently, expressing it and the Larmor power in connection with entanglement entropy, inviting an interpretation of acceleration radiation in terms of information flow. The mirror self-force and radiative power are applied to the particular CGHS black hole analog moving mirror, which reveals the physics of information at the horizon during asymptotic approach to thermal equilibrium.     

Classical electrodynamics of a point particle

Even for the simplest physical situations the Lorentz-Dirac equation, solved as an initial value problem, gives unphysical ‘run-away’ solutions. Dirac’s method for avoiding these unphysical solutions generates solutions which exhibit unphysical acausal pre-acceleration. A careful examination of the application of the conservation of momentum in the derivation of the Abraham self-force reveals a fundamental error concerning the force acting on the particle. This error, originally made by Abraham (1903), has been repeated by subsequent investigators. When corrected, a new equation of motion results. A discussion of the general properties of the new equation of motion is given, and solutions for several important special cases are presented. The behaviour of these solutions is causal, physically reasonable, and easily understood.