Modelling of optically active electromagnetic media Original Research Article

By analogy with the DBF model of optically-active electromagnetic media, some generalizations are considered so that memory effects are incorporated. Next, thermodynamic restrictions are derived. It turns out that, via suitable restrictions, the DBF model is compatible with thermodynamics. Also, the analogous terms in a model for nongyrotropic solids are not allowed. The appropriate modification for such a model is indicated.