Can Different Dielectric Values Affect the Distribution of the Casimir Force?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the Casimir effect and its dependency on the dielectric values of the plates involved. It highlights that the force distribution between two plates made of different dielectrics is influenced by their dielectric properties, as indicated in Lifshitz's work. The conversation raises questions about how momentum conservation applies to the outer sides of the plates, suggesting a potential gap in existing research regarding the mechanics of force balance in such configurations. The need for further exploration into this topic is emphasized, particularly in relation to momentum conservation in varying dielectric scenarios.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the Casimir effect and its principles
  • Familiarity with dielectric materials and their properties
  • Knowledge of momentum conservation laws in physics
  • Basic grasp of Lifshitz theory related to quantum field theory
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the implications of different dielectric constants on the Casimir force
  • Explore the mechanics of force distribution in systems with varying dielectric materials
  • Investigate existing literature on momentum conservation in quantum systems
  • Examine experimental setups that measure the Casimir effect with different dielectrics
USEFUL FOR

Physicists, researchers in quantum mechanics, and anyone studying the Casimir effect and its implications in material science.

gildomar
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So I was reading an excerpt from Lifshitz about the Casimir effect, and besides the obvious dependency on plate separation and geometry, he indicated that the strength of the force also depends on the dielectric value of the plates. What I'm wondering is what the force distribution for the plates would look like if one of the plates was one kind of dielectric, and the other plate was another kind?
 
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Momentum conservation requires the force to be the same on both plates, and pointing in opposite directions.
 
I guess I could see that for the inner side of the plates, since they're facing each other and can have a field interaction to balance the forces there. But what about for the outer side of the plates? How would they "know" that the forces there need to be balanced?
 
Momentum is conserved whether the plates "know" about it or not - that's one of the beautiful things about conservation laws.
 
There might be an interesting research paper in exploring the exact mechanics of how conservation of momentum is maintained in such a situation.
 
Perhaps, but given how few research papers there are showing that momentum is conserved when one does a proper calculation in other systems, I kind of doubt it. Nobody doubts momentum is conserved, which is why you don't see people writing about it.
 

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