Casimir effect as a sum over modes in dissipative systems

Francesco Intravaia and Ryan Behunin
Phys. Rev. A 86, 062517 – Published 28 December 2012

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to show that within the open-system framework the sum-over-modes approach of Casimir leads to the Lifshitz formula for the Casimir free energy. A general result applicable to arbitrary geometries is obtained through the use of Ford, Lewis, and O’Connell's remarkable formula. Additionally, we address the possibility of obtaining the Casimir energy as a sum over complex “modes.” We show in this case that the standard sum-over-modes formula must be suitably generalized to avert unphysical complex energies. Finally, we apply our results to several standard examples.

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  • Received 26 July 2012

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevA.86.062517

©2012 American Physical Society

Authors & Affiliations

Francesco Intravaia1 and Ryan Behunin2

  • 1Theoretical Division, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, New Mexico 87545, USA
  • 2Center for Nonlinear Studies and Theoretical Division, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, New Mexico 87545, USA

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Issue

Vol. 86, Iss. 6 — December 2012

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