Generalized Casimir forces in non-equilibrium systems

TL;DR

This paper introduces a method to calculate fluctuation-induced Casimir-like forces in non-equilibrium systems, based on their long-range correlations and spectrum modifications caused by external bodies.

Contribution

It presents a novel approach to determine Casimir-like forces in non-equilibrium systems using their fluctuation spectra and long-range correlations.

Findings

Method applicable to reaction-diffusion systems with noise

External bodies modify fluctuation spectra and induce forces

Framework extends Casimir force concepts beyond equilibrium

Abstract

In the present work we propose a method to determine fluctuation induced forces in non equilibrium systems. These forces are the analogue of the well known Casimir forces, which were originally introduced in Quantum Field theory and later extended to the area of Critical Phenomena. The procedure starts from the observation that many non equilibrium systems exhibit long-range correlations and the associated structure factors diverge in the long wavelength limit. The introduction of external bodies into such systems in general modifies the spectrum of these fluctuations and leads to the appearance of a net force between these bodies. The mechanism is illustrated by means of a simple example: a reaction diffusion equation with random noises.