Mathematical Physics and Relativistic
Quantum Field Theory
(Professor R
W Tucker)
Electromagnetic radiation reaction (both classical and quantum) is relevant to many areas of
contemporary physics. It lies at the heart of
processes where the interface between classical and quantum physics plays a prominent role. Among these
one may cite areas of quantum optics, micro-cavity physics, micro-fluidics, photonic structures, early Universe
cosmo-genesis, dark energy and cold-atom technology. In these systems one is often confronted with phenomena
that interrelate classical continuum mechanics, classical electromagnetism, cavity Quantum Electrodynamics and
fundamental issues relating fluctuation and dissipation mechanisms. In particular, dynamic (material)
fluctuations induced by quantum fluctuations of the electromagnetic field have experimental consequences and offer
an exciting opportunity to confront the limitations of basic theory with observable data. In technology such
fluctuations may manifest themselves as quantum induced stresses. Such Casimir stresses cannot be
ignored as nano-structures develop ever smaller miniturisations. (The Casimir attractive pressure between neutral
conducting planes with a separation of 10nm exceeds 1 atmosphere!) In micro-fluidics, physical processes can be
confined to (deformable) dielectric micro-cavities that are guided by electromagnetic fields. Such micro-laboratories offer
new possibilities to explore cavity Quantum Electrodynamics experimentally as well as enhancing the control features of micro-fluidic
design. Indeed it has even been suggested that chemical processes in such an environment may shed light on
the mechanisms that evolve inert matter into living cells. Using modern mathematical techniques work on calculating effects due to such fluctuations in dispersive, inhomogeneous polarisable media is being actively pursued in our group.
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