Electromagnetic Pulses: A Novel Framework for Helicity, Chirality, and Their Flows

Abstract

This article delves into conserved quantities of electromagnetic pulses, which are crucial for understanding their behavior. We introduce a precise framework for computing scalar properties (energy, helicity, and chirality) and vector properties (Poynting vector, spin, and chirality flux) of electromagnetic pulses with gauge-invariant equations. Based on the far-field behavior of radiated electric field, our methodology offers accurate results akin to traditional volume integrals but at a lower computational cost. In addition, our findings enable a reinterpretation of these properties as statistical average parameters of the pulse. This innovative approach not only simplifies calculations but also enhances their accuracy, making it useful for studying the main conserved quantities for complex electromagnetic field structures, as those formed by multiple interference of pulses.