Quantum Vacuum Self-Propulsion and Torque

TL;DR

This paper explores quantum vacuum forces and torques on objects out of thermal equilibrium, revealing conditions under which spontaneous forces and torques can occur, with potential for experimental observation.

Contribution

It provides a systematic expansion framework to analyze spontaneous quantum vacuum forces and torques, highlighting the roles of material reciprocity and inhomogeneity.

Findings

First-order torque can occur with nonreciprocal materials.

Second-order forces and torques require inhomogeneous materials.

Examples suggest some effects may be experimentally observable.

Abstract

This article summarizes our recent efforts to understand spontaneous quantum vacuum forces and torques, which require that a stationary object be out of thermal equilibrium with the blackbody background radiation. We proceed by a systematic expansion in powers of the electric susceptibility. In first order, no spontaneous force can arise, although a torque can appear, but only if the body is composed of nonreciprocal material. In second order, both forces and torques can appear, with ordinary materials, but only if the body is inhomogeneous. In higher orders, this last requirement may be removed. We give a number of examples of bodies displaying second-order spontaneous forces and torques, some of which might be amenable to observation.