Dynamics of dipole in a stationary non-homogeneous electromagnetic field

Abstract

Abstract The non-relativistic equations of motion for a dipole in a stationary non-homogeneous electromagnetic field are derived and analysed. It is shown that they are Hamiltonian with respect to a certain degenerated Poisson structure. Described by them dynamics is complex because the motion of the centre of mass of the dipole is coupled with its rotational motion. The problem of the existence of linear in momenta first integrals which can be useful for the separation of rotational motion is discussed. The presence of such first integral appears to be related with a linear symmetry of electric and magnetic fields. Also results of search of quadratic in momenta first integrals for uniform and stationary electromagnetic fields are reported. Deriving equations of motion of a dipole in arbitrary stationary electromagnetic fields and analysis of described by them dynamics is important for the construction of electromagnetic traps for polar particles.