Physical mechanisms underpinning the vacuum permittivity

TL;DR

This paper explores how quantum vacuum fluctuations determine the fundamental electromagnetic constants, permittivity and permeability, challenging traditional notions of vacuum as empty space.

Contribution

It presents a novel perspective on the physical mechanisms behind vacuum permittivity and permeability, linking quantum vacuum fluctuations to these constants.

Findings

Vacuum fluctuations influence the values of ε₀ and μ₀

The study offers a new interpretation of vacuum as a dynamic quantum medium

Provides insights into the fundamental nature of electromagnetic constants

Abstract

Debate about the emptiness of the space goes back to the prehistory of science and is epitomized by the Aristotelian \emph{horror vacui}, which can be seen as the precursor of the ether, whose modern version is the dynamical quantum vacuum. Here, we change our view to \emph{gaudium vacui} and discuss how the vacuum fluctuations fix the value of the permittivity $\varepsilon_{0}$ and permeability $\mu_{0}$.