On the Casimir effect in a continuous medium

TL;DR

This paper discusses how the Casimir energy in a medium can be derived from electromagnetic zero-point energy, highlighting issues with relativity principles in continuous media.

Contribution

It clarifies the connection between Casimir energy and zero-point electromagnetic energy in media, emphasizing the impact of reduced propagation velocity.

Findings

Casimir energy can be derived from zero-point electromagnetic energy in media.

The reduced propagation velocity affects the calculation of Casimir energy.

Revisits the compatibility of relativity principles with Maxwell equations in media.

Abstract

It is pointed out that the Casimir energy in a medium can be obtained most directly from the zero-point energy of the electromagnetic field because of its reduced propagation velocity. This brings to the fore again the old problem related to how the principle of relativity is combined with the Maxwell field equations in a continuous medium.