Casimir-Lifshitz forces and radiative heat transfer between moving bodies

TL;DR

This paper critiques a recent theory of van der Waals friction, demonstrating that it incorrectly claims the absence of quantum friction at zero temperature, thereby clarifying the nature of Casimir-Lifshitz forces between moving bodies.

Contribution

It provides a critical analysis of Philbin et al.'s theory, establishing that quantum friction can exist at zero temperature contrary to their claims.

Findings

The theory by Philbin et al. is incorrect.

Quantum friction can occur at zero temperature.

Clarifies the nature of Casimir-Lifshitz forces between moving bodies.

Abstract

Recently Philbin et al. (New J. Phys. 11 (2009) 033035; arXiv:0904.2148v3) presented a new theory of the van der Waals friction. Contrary to the previous theories they claimed that there is no "quantum friction" at zero temperature. We show that this theory is incorrect.