Work

Casimir-Lifshitz Theory for Cavity Modification of Ground-State Energy

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: A theory for ground-state modifications of matter embedded in a Fabry-Perot cavity and whose excitations are described as harmonic oscillators is presented. Based on Lifshitz's theory for vacuum energy and employing a Lorentz model for the material permittivity, a nonperturbative macroscopic QED model that accounts for the infinite number of cavity modes with a continuum of their wave vectors was built. Differences from the commonly used single-mode Hopfield Hamiltonian are revealed. The nonresonant role of polaritons in the ground-state energy shift is also demonstrated, showing that the cavity effect is mainly caused by static screening occurring at very low frequencies. The theory allows for a straightforward incorporation of losses and temperature effects.

Source: Physical Review Letters

DOI: 10.1103/v79d-tty5

Authors: Oleg V. Kotov, Johannes Feist, Francisco J. García-Vidal, Timur O. Shegai

Institutions: Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Chalmers University of Technology

Language: English

Topic: Quantum Electrodynamics and Casimir Effect

Subfield: Atomic and Molecular Physics, and Optics

Field: Physics and Astronomy

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,750