Perspectives on quantum friction, self-propulsion, and self-torque

Milton, Kimball A., Pourtolami, Nima and Kennedy, Gerard (2025) Perspectives on quantum friction, self-propulsion, and self-torque. Physics Letters A, 545, [130475]. (doi:10.1016/j.physleta.2025.130475).

Record type: Article

Abstract

This paper provides an overview of the nonequilibrium fluctuational forces and torques acting on a body either in motion or at rest relative to another body or to the thermal vacuum blackbody radiation. We consider forces and torques beyond the usual static Casimir-Polder and Casimir forces and torques. For a moving body, a retarding force emerges, called quantum or Casimir friction, which in vacuum was first predicted by Einstein and Hopf in 1910. Nonreciprocity may allow a stationary body, out of thermal equilibrium with its environment, to experience a torque. Moreover, if a stationary reciprocal body is not in thermal equilibrium with the blackbody vacuum, a self-propulsive force or torque can appear, resulting in a potentially observable linear or angular terminal velocity, even after thermalization.

Text

2501.17793v2 - Accepted Manuscript

Restricted to Repository staff only until 25 March 2027.

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