In the absence of free charge or free current, the Maxwell equations in optically active matter are

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In the absence of free charge or free current, the Maxwell equations in optically active matter are

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(a) Let P = (ϵ − 0)E and M = (μ − 1 0 − μ −1)B, but do not introduce D or H. Assume plane wave behavior for all relevant quantities, e.g., E(r, t) = E(k, ω) exp[i(k · r − ωt)]. Find jind(k, ω) and ρind(k, ω). Explain why your expression for ρind(k, ω) is the most general scalar that can be constructed from k, E, and B that is linear in the fields. Explain why your expression for jind(k, ω) is not the most general vector than can be constructed from the same ingredients. 

(b) Let ξ be a real constitutive constant. Explain why a term ξ added to jωBind in part (a) produces a completely general current density vector and show that ϵωE + μ −1k × B + iξωB = 0.
(c) Show that the propagating waves in the medium of part (b) are determined by an equation of the form

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(d) Show that the solutions in part (c) are right and left circularly polarized waves that obey different dispersion relations. Find the range of allowed values of ξ . Matter that behaves this way is called optically active.
(e) Show that the constitutive relations D = E + βB and B = μH + γE give an equivalent description of optical activity. How are the two constants β and γ related to ξ?

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