The propagation of light is well described by Maxwell’s field equations ofelectromagnetism in relativistic space; its emission and absorption by quantum mechanics.However, some open questions remain. For example, is there a means to break gauge symmetry?Do any surprises await us at high energies or unexplored scales? Are there further interactionsbetween fundamental forces? Many authors have suggested that a deeper understanding canbe achieved through a statistical model of the continuous electromagnetic media in which lightcan propagate. In such an approach the electromagnetic fields are of the same nature as morefamiliar force fields: statistical averages of underlying physical quantities. The goals of thisapproach are not only to explain why Maxwell’s equations of propagation and the quantumtheory of emission and absorption apply, but also to explore new predictions as well. Here webriefly review the approach, and demonstrate its utility in allowing a derivation of the Lorentzboost factors of Special Relativity.
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