Transfer of linear momentum from the quantum vacuum to a magnetochiral molecule

TL;DR

This paper explains how a magnetic field enables the quantum vacuum to transfer momentum to a chiral molecule, highlighting the physical mechanisms and energy variations involved in this process.

Contribution

It provides a detailed physical explanation and semiclassical calculation of vacuum-to-molecule momentum transfer in the presence of a magnetic field, complementing previous QED results.

Findings

Quantum vacuum imparts momentum to chiral molecules under magnetic fields.

The kinetic energy variation stems from vacuum-induced magnetic energy.

Semiclassical calculations agree with quantum electrodynamics results.

Abstract

In a recent publication [Phys. Rev. Lett. 111, 143602] we have shown using a QED approach that, in the presence of a magnetic field, the quantum vacuum coupled to a chiral molecule provides a kinetic momentum directed along the magnetic field. Here we explain the physical mechanisms which operate in the transfer of momentum from the vacuum to the molecule. We show that the variation of the molecular kinetic energy originates from the magnetic energy associated with the vacuum correction to the magnetization of the molecule. We carry out a semiclassical calculation of the vacuum momentum and compare the result with the QED calculation.