On the Casimir effect from the zero-point energy: a tangential force and its properties

We investigate the Casimir effect in the systems that consist of parallel but misaligned finite-size plates from the point of view of zero-point energy. We elaborate that the zero-point energies of the radiation field in the perfect conductor systems would generate a tangential Casimir force, and explore the properties and consequences of this tangential force in various conductor systems. Thereafter, we generalize our discussion to dielectrics. After calculating the total zero-point energies of the surface modes in the multilayered systems, we show that the tangential force also exists in dielectrics. We obtain the finite-conductivity corrections to the tangential force for imperfectly conducting plates, and calculate the finite-temperature corrections to the force. The typical strength of the tangential force suggests it might be observable.

Automated summary

This article investigates the Casimir effect in systems consisting of parallel but misaligned finite-size plates. The author explores and elaborates the properties and consequences of the tangential Casimir force from the perspectives of zero-point energy in perfect conductor and dielectric systems.