Electric polarization of free space

[Hetware]

If we take the perspective that free space is permeated with a sea of virtual particles, popping in and out of existence, it seems reasonable that such a sea would experience some amount of electric polarization in the presence of an electric field. That is to say, positively charged virtual particles would accelerate toward a real negative charge, and negatively charged virtual particles would accelerate away from a real negative charge.

How does that relate to $\epsilon_\omicron$?

 

[jtbell]

Could this be what you're looking for?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vacuum_polarization

 

[Hetware]

Thanks.