Geometry of generalized higher order fields and applications to classical linear electrodynamics (1207.3791v4)

Abstract: Motivated by obtaining a consistent mathematical description for the radiation reaction of point charged particles in linear classical electrodynamics, a theory of generalized higher order tensors and differential forms is introduced. The generalization of some fundamental notions of the differential geometry and the theory of differential forms is presented. In particular, the cohomology and integration theories for generalized higher order forms are developed, including the Cartan calculus, a generalization of de Rham cohomology and a version of Thom's isomorphism theorem. We consider in detail a special type of generalized higher order tensors associated with bounded maximal $n$-acceleration and use it as a model of spacetime. A generalization of electrodynamic theory with higher order fields is introduced. We show that combining the generalized higher order fields with maximal acceleration geometry the evolution of a point charged particle interacting with the generalized higher order fields can be described by solutions of an implicit second order ordinary differential equation. In flat space such equation is Lorentz invariant, does not have pre-accelerated solutions of Dirac's type or run-away solutions, it is compatible with Newton's first law of dynamics and with the covariant Larmor's power radiation law. A generalization of the Maxwell-Lorentz theory is also introduced. The theory is linear in the field sector and it reduces to the standard Maxwell-Lorentz electrodynamics when the maximal acceleration is infinite. Finally, we discuss the assumptions of our framework in addition to some predictions of the theory.