A new method of formulation of problems in macroscopic electrodynamics is proposed. Maxwell equations are written in the abstract-operator form. A solution to the formal problem of eigenvalues and eigenfunctions of the introduced Maxwell operator allows us to use the well-developed mathematical technique of linear operator theory for various electrodynamical problems. In particular, calculation of the momentum-energy tensor, wave generation, perturbation theory, and variational approach can be applied for electrodynamical systems ͑cavities, waveguides, free space͒ filled with media of arbitrary dispersion. In the first part of the paper we deal with a formal foundation of the method and calculation of the momentum-energy tensor.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.