The analysis of plane waves normally incident upon moving media yields a velocity-dependent net flow of electromagnetic energy within the system such that optical pressures are deduced. Two common formulations (Chu and Minkowski) are employed to model the phenomena with respect to the Abraham-Minkowski debate. Within the framework of relativistic electrodynamics, two perfect reflectors submerged in a dielectric are used to compare the calculated optical work and pressure exerted to the system for both formulations via momentum and energy conservation. The perfect reflectors are represented by having zero electric field and zero magnetic field at the surface of the perfect electrical conductor and the perfect magnetic conductor, respectively. Comparison of these results gives valuable insight into the differences between Abraham and Minkowski momenta and provides theoretical evidence as to observable effects in actual optical moment transfer to media.

• Received 21 October 2013

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevA.89.013825