English

Reconsidering the quantization of electrodynamics with boundary conditions and some measurable consequences

High Energy Physics - Theory 2008-11-26 v3 Quantum Physics

Abstract

We show that the commonly known conductor boundary conditions E=B=0E_{||}=B_\perp=0 can be realized in two ways which we call 'thick' and 'thin' conductor. The 'thick' conductor is the commonly known approach and includes a Neumann condition on the normal component EE_\perp of the electric field whereas for a 'thin' conductor EE_\perp remains without boundary condition. Both types describe different physics already on the classical level where a 'thin' conductor allows for an interaction between the normal components of currents on both sides. On quantum level different forces between a conductor and a single electron or a neutral atom result. For instance, the Casimir-Polder force for a 'thin' conductor is by about 13% smaller than for a 'thick' one.

Keywords

Cite

@article{arxiv.hep-th/0403222,
  title  = {Reconsidering the quantization of electrodynamics with boundary conditions and some measurable consequences},
  author = {M. Bordag},
  journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:hep-th/0403222},
  year   = {2008}
}

Comments

22 pages, basic statement weakened, conclusions changed, misprints corrected