HAMILTONIAN FORMALISM ON CHARACTERISTIC SURFACES.
Abstract
The problem of the construction of a Hamiltonian formalism suitable for propagation of a field off characteristic or null surfaces is considered. In the Hamiltonian theory of a massless scalar field, primary constraints arise. Certain integral combinations of these constraints generate the 'news function' of the scalar field. Second-class combinations of constraints are eliminated by the construction of new variables differing from the original variables by the addition of constraints. Commutation relations are found for these variables. A Hamiltonian formalism for the electromagnetic field is developed on characteristic surfaces. A Hamiltonian for gravitation (general relativity) is constructed, first on null surfaces described only by the metric condition, g sup 00 = 0, and then on null surfaces coordinatized in a manner analagous to Bondi's approach. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1970
- Accession Number
- AD0708136
Entities
People
- Leroy Earl Eimers
Organizations
- Syracuse University