WAVE AND MAXWELL'S EQUATIONS IN CARNOT GROUPS

Abstract

In this paper we define Maxwell's equations in the setting of the intrinsic complex of differential forms in Carnot groups introduced by M. Rumin. It turns out that these equations are higher-order equations in the horizontal derivatives. In addition, when looking for a vector potential, we have to deal with a new class of higher-order evolution equations that replace usual wave equations of the Euclidean setting and that are no more hyperbolic. We prove equivalence of these equations with the "geometric equations" defined in the intrinsic complex, as well as existence and properties of solutions.