Theory of Casimir Forces: A Unified Approach Using Finite-Temperature Field Theory

TL;DR

This paper develops a unified quantum field theoretical framework for calculating Casimir forces at finite temperatures, integrating quantum electrodynamics and statistical physics to provide new insights and computational methods.

Contribution

It introduces a novel approach combining finite-temperature field theory with ghost formalism to analyze Casimir forces, including stress tensor calculations and temperature effects.

Findings

Calculated Casimir forces at finite temperatures.

Derived stress tensor related to Helmholtz free energy.

Analyzed tangential pressure in slit-like pores.

Abstract

We present a quantum theory of Casimir forces between perfect electrical conductors, based on quantum electrodynamics and quantum statistical physics. This theory utilizes Kapusta's finite-temperature field theory, combined with the Faddeev-Popov ghost formalism. This approach allows us to calculate Casimir forces at finite temperatures, providing both previously known and new physical insights from a unified perspective. Furthermore, our method enables us to compute the stress tensor associated with Casimir forces, in accordance with the Helmholtz free energy of an equilibrium quantum electromagnetic field. Using this method, we calculate the tangential pressure in a slit-like pore due to the Casimir effect.