Quantum field theory and classical optics: determining the fine structure constant

Language
en
Document Type
Article
Issue Date
2017-03-21
Issue Year
2017
Authors
Leuchs, Gerd
Hawton, Margaret
Sánchez-Soto, Luis L.
Editor
Abstract

The properties of the vacuum are described by quantum physics including the response to external fields such as electromagnetic radiation. Of the two parameters that govern the details of the electromagnetic field dynamics in vacuum, one is fixed by the requirement of Lorentz invariance $c = 1/\sqrt {\epsilon _0 \mu _0 } $. The other one, $ Z_0 = \sqrt {\mu _0 /\epsilon _0 } = 1/(c\epsilon _0 ) $ and its relation to the quantum vacuum, is discussed in this contribution. Deriving ε 0 from the properties of the quantum vacuum implies the derivation of the fine structure constant.

Journal Title
Journal of Physics: Conference Series
Volume
793
Issue
1
Citation
Journal of Physics: Conference Series 793.1 (2017). <http://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1742-6596/793/1/012017>
Zugehörige ORCIDs