2008/06/17 by Kimball A. Milton, Prachi Parashar, Jef Wagner · 2 citations
Physics and Astronomy · #Cosmology and Gravitation Theories #Noncommutative and Quantum Gravity Theories #Quantum Electrodynamics and Casimir Effect #hep-th #quant-ph
paper · pdf · doi:10.1103/physrevlett.101.160402
published as Phys.Rev.Lett.101:160402,2008 · 4 pages, 3 figures
arxiv created 2008/06/17 · openalex publication_date 2008/10/17 · arxiv updated 2009/12/01 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/28
In earlier papers, we have applied multiple-scattering techniques to calculate Casimir forces due to scalar fields between different bodies described by delta function potentials. When the coupling to the potentials became weak, closed-form results were obtained. We simplify this weak-coupling technique and apply it to the case of tenuous dielectric bodies, in which case the method involves the summation of van der Waals (Casimir-Polder) interactions. Once again, exact results for finite bodies can be obtained. We present closed formulas describing the interaction between spheres, between cylinders, and between an infinite plate and a rectangular slab of finite size. For such a slab, we consider the torque acting on it and find that nontrivial equilibrium points can occur.