Vacuum port in optics, Casimir effect, fluctuations of vacuum or electrons.

In summary, the Casimir effect can possibly be explained by two causes, including vacuum noise and van der Waals force. In optics experiments, fluctuations of the quantum vacuum must be taken into account to obtain accurate results. It is possible that these fluctuations could also be attributed to fluctuations of electrons, but this is still a topic of debate. It is important to not rely on analogies in physics and to consider the specific properties of each force and its effects on experiments.
  • #1
Spinnor
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The force in the Casimir effect can be "explained" by two causes, see,

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Casimir_effect#Possible_causes

In some optics experiments we must account for the fluctuations of the quantum vacuum to get the right experimental results. See,

Vacuum noise, http://www.rp-photonics.com/vacuum_noise.html or

http://books.google.com/books?id=GE...e&q=in quantum optics the vacuum port&f=false

Can the vacuum noise of optics experiments be "replaced" as some type of fluctuations of electrons as it can in the Casimir effect? (could fluctuations of electrons that make up say a beam splitter or are on the other side of the Universe account for the vacuum noise in optics experiments?)

Thanks for any help!
 
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  • #2
In some optics experiments we must account for the fluctuations of the quantum vacuum to get the right experimental results.
You've got that backwards - the experimental results are always right: that is what Nature does. You need to account for vacuum fluctuations in the theory to make the prediction match the experimental result.

Can the vacuum noise of optics experiments be "replaced" as some type of fluctuations of electrons as it can in the Casimir effect?
Probably - coming up with alternative models is easy. "some kind of" and "fluctuations" is pretty vague.
The alternative approach to the Casimir force is that it is a manifestation of van der Waals force.
http://cds.cern.ch/record/431510/files/0003093.pdf
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Van_der_Waals_force
... if we describe the Van der Waals effect as due to "fluctuations of electrons", then these are different sorts of fluctuations to "vacuum fluctuations".

(could fluctuations of electrons that make up say a beam splitter or are on the other side of the Universe account for the vacuum noise in optics experiments?)
On the "other side of the Universe" ... ?? In the paper above you see that the Van der Waals forces are restricted to a very short range.
The electrons that make up the beam splitter certainly affect the experiment - if they didn't, then it would not work as a beam splitter.
It's not a good idea to do physics by analogy.

Also read:
http://physics.stackexchange.com/questions/11544/vander-waals-and-casimir-forces
https://www.physicsforums.com/threads/vacuum-fluctuations-do-not-exist.731949/
https://www.physicsforums.com/threads/van-der-waals-forces.484739/
 

1. What is a vacuum port in optics and what is its purpose?

A vacuum port in optics is a small opening in a vacuum chamber that allows for the introduction or removal of gases or other substances from the chamber. Its purpose is to create a controlled environment for optical experiments by removing any air or other particles that could interfere with the measurements.

2. What is the Casimir effect and how does it relate to vacuum?

The Casimir effect is a phenomenon in quantum field theory where two uncharged metal plates in close proximity experience a force due to the fluctuations of the vacuum energy between them. This effect is a result of the quantum nature of vacuum and has been observed in various experiments.

3. How do fluctuations of vacuum affect physical systems?

Fluctuations of vacuum, also known as vacuum fluctuations or quantum fluctuations, are random changes in the energy of a physical system due to the uncertainty principle. These fluctuations can affect the behavior of particles and can be observed in quantum systems, such as the Casimir effect.

4. Can vacuum fluctuations be harnessed for practical applications?

While vacuum fluctuations are a fundamental aspect of quantum mechanics, they are currently not harnessed for practical applications. However, scientists are studying ways to potentially utilize vacuum fluctuations, such as in quantum computing and energy harvesting.

5. What is the role of electrons in vacuum and how do they contribute to vacuum fluctuations?

Electrons play a crucial role in vacuum fluctuations as they are constantly moving and creating electric and magnetic fields, which in turn affect the energy of the vacuum. These fluctuations can then influence the behavior of electrons in a vacuum, leading to phenomena such as the Casimir effect.

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