Vacuum diamagnetism of mesoscopic metallic samples

TL;DR

This paper explores how the zero-point energy of surface plasmon modes in mesoscopic metal samples leads to a novel surface vacuum diamagnetism, comparable to bulk electron magnetism, revealing a new magnetic phenomenon in thin metallic films.

Contribution

It demonstrates a new form of diamagnetism arising from surface vacuum effects in mesoscopic metals, distinct from traditional electron-based magnetic responses.

Findings

Surface vacuum diamagnetism is significant in thin metallic films.

This diamagnetism is comparable to bulk electron magnetism.

A new magnetic response mechanism in mesoscopic metals has been identified.

Abstract

Zero-point energy of surface plasmon modes of mesoscopic metal samples in an external magnetic field has been considered. The magnetic response of plasmon vacuum has shown to be diamagnetic. In thin films this surface vacuum diamagnetism is at least of the same order of magnitude as the magnetism of the bulk electrons. Thus, a novel type of magnetism shown by thin metallic samples, which is complementary to the well known Pauli paramagnetic and Landau diamagnetic contributions to the magnetism of the electron gas has been demonstrated.