Perspectives on Quantum Friction, Self-Propulsion, and Self-Torque

• URL: http://arxiv.org/abs/2501.17793v1
• Date: Wed, 29 Jan 2025 17:32:48 GMT
• Title: Perspectives on Quantum Friction, Self-Propulsion, and Self-Torque
• Authors: Kimball A. Milton, Nima Pourtolami, Gerard Kennedy,
• Abstract summary: For a moving body, a retarding force emerges, called quantum or Casimir friction, which in vacuum was first predicted by Einstein and Hopf in 1907. If a stationary body is not in thermal equilibrium with the blackbody vacuum, a self-propulsive force or torque can appear, resulting in a potentially observable linear or angular terminal velocity, even after thermalization.
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• Abstract: This paper provides an overview of the nonequilibrium fluctuational forces and torques acting on a body either in motion or at rest relative to another body or the thermal vacuum blackbody radiation. For a moving body, a retarding force emerges, called quantum or Casimir friction, which in vacuum was first predicted by Einstein and Hopf in 1907. Moreover, if a stationary body is not in thermal equilibrium with the blackbody vacuum, a self-propulsive force or torque can appear, resulting in a potentially observable linear or angular terminal velocity, even after thermalization.

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