Physics – High Energy Physics – High Energy Physics - Theory
Scientific paper
2010-04-30
Lect.Notes Phys.834:39-95,2011
Physics
High Energy Physics
High Energy Physics - Theory
53 pages, 1 figure, invited review paper to Lecture Notes in Physics volume in Casimir physics edited by Diego Dalvit, Peter M
Scientific paper
From the beginning of the subject, calculations of quantum vacuum energies or Casimir energies have been plagued with two types of divergences: The total energy, which may be thought of as some sort of regularization of the zero-point energy, $\sum\frac12\hbar\omega$, seems manifestly divergent. And local energy densities, obtained from the vacuum expectation value of the energy-momentum tensor, $\langle T_{00}\rangle$, typically diverge near boundaries. The energy of interaction between distinct rigid bodies of whatever type is finite, corresponding to observable forces and torques between the bodies, which can be unambiguously calculated. The self-energy of a body is less well-defined, and suffers divergences which may or may not be removable. Some examples where a unique total self-stress may be evaluated include the perfectly conducting spherical shell first considered by Boyer, a perfectly conducting cylindrical shell, and dilute dielectric balls and cylinders. In these cases the finite part is unique, yet there are divergent contributions which may be subsumed in some sort of renormalization of physical parameters. The divergences that occur in the local energy-momentum tensor near surfaces are distinct from the divergences in the total energy, which are often associated with energy located exactly on the surfaces. However, the local energy-momentum tensor couples to gravity, so what is the significance of infinite quantities here? For the classic situation of parallel plates there are indications that the divergences in the local energy density are consistent with divergences in Einstein's equations; correspondingly, it has been shown that divergences in the total Casimir energy serve to precisely renormalize the masses of the plates, in accordance with the equivalence principle.
No associations
LandOfFree
Local and Global Casimir Energies: Divergences, Renormalization, and the Coupling to Gravity does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.
If you have personal experience with Local and Global Casimir Energies: Divergences, Renormalization, and the Coupling to Gravity, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Local and Global Casimir Energies: Divergences, Renormalization, and the Coupling to Gravity will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-539303