Abstract
The quantum electromagnetic zero-point energy of a conducting spherical shell of radius has been computed to be . The physical reasoning is analogous to that used by Casimir to obtain the force between two uncharged conducting parallel plates, a force confirmed experimentally by Sparnaay and van Silfhout. However, while parallel plates are attracted together because of the zero-point energy, a conducting sphere tends to be expanded. Thus although relevant for the understanding of the quantum-mechanical zero-point energy, the result invalidates Casimir's intriguing model for a charged particle as a charged conducting shell with Poincaré stresses provided by the zero-point energy and a unique ratio for independent of the radius.
- Received 18 April 1968
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRev.174.1764
©1968 American Physical Society