Electromagnetic fields from the generation and absorption of discontinuous linear current fronts

The relativistically correct potentials and fields are calculated for a basic electromagnetic source-model in which the electric charge at a fixed point suddenly starts increasing linearly with time, while the equal but opposite charge flows away from the point with constant velocity in a straight line. A numerical example of a field calculation is given. Limiting forms of the solution appropriate at great distances are found, and radiated power, radiation resistance, and radiation patterns are derived. Using the solution for ths basic model, solutions for other source-models are developed by linear superposition. These include fields from a current being generated at one point and stopped (absorbed) at another, and the fields from current impulses.