Worldline Methods for the Quantum Vacuum

Prof. Dr. Holger Gies

The quantum vacuum is a highly complex medium, responding nonlocally and nonlinearly to external influences, such as electromagnetic or other fields, temperature, and Casimir boundary conditions. This research project investigates the properties of the quantum vacuum by mapping quantum vacuum fluctuations onto an ensemble of closed random paths. These can be treated by new computer algorithms in the framework of " worldline numerics ". This method will be applied to a study of the quantum vacuum in strong fields and in micro- and nano-mechanical devices, both of which are currently under intense experimental as well as theoretical investigation.

Publications

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