Abstract
The aim of this paper is to show that within the open-system framework the sum-over-modes approach of Casimir leads to the Lifshitz formula for the Casimir free energy. A general result applicable to arbitrary geometries is obtained through the use of Ford, Lewis, and O'Connell's remarkable formula. Additionally, we address the possibility of obtaining the Casimir energy as a sum over complex "modes." We show in this case that the standard sum-over-modes formula must be suitably generalized to avert unphysical complex energies. Finally, we apply our results to several standard examples.
Original language | English (US) |
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Article number | 062517 |
Journal | Physical Review A - Atomic, Molecular, and Optical Physics |
Volume | 86 |
Issue number | 6 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Dec 28 2012 |
Externally published | Yes |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Atomic and Molecular Physics, and Optics