Problems in the Lifshitz Theory of Atom-Wall Interaction

Abstract

Problems in the Lifshitz theory of atom-wall interaction arise when the dc conductivity of dielectric wall is included into the model of the dielectric response. We review the low-temperature behavior of the free energy and entropy of dispersion interaction for both dielectric and metallic walls. Consistency of the obtained results with thermodynamics and experimental data is analyzed. Recent attempts to include the screening effects and diffusion currents into the Lifshitz theory are considered. It is shown that this leads to the violation of the Nernst heat theorem for wide classes of wall materials. The physical reasons for the emergence of thermodynamic and experimental inconsistencies are elucidated.

12 pages, 2 figures, style file ws-ijmpa.cls is used

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Cited by in corpus (6)

• Casimir Puzzle and Casimir Conundrum: Discovery and Search for Resolution
• Casimir and Casimir-Polder Forces in Graphene Systems: Quantum Field Theoretical Description and Thermodynamics
• Current status of the problem of thermal Casimir force
• Quantum thermodynamics of overdamped modes in local and spatially dispersive materials
• How modes shape Casimir Physics
• Singularities of the Casimir Energy for Quantum Field Theories with Lifshitz Dimensions