Momentum transfer from quantum vacuum to magnetoelectric matter.
A recent publication [Phys. Rev. Lett. 92, 020404 (2004)] raises the possibility of momentum transfer from zero-point quantum fluctuations to matter, controlled by applied electric and magnetic fields. We present a Lorentz-invariant description using field-theoretical regularization techniques. We find no momentum transfer for homogeneous media, but predict a very small transfer for a Casimir-type geometry.
van Tiggelen
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Laboratoire de Physique et Modélisation des Milieux Condensés, Maison des Magistères, CNRS/UJF BP 166, 38042 Grenoble, France.
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Krstić
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