Casimir Effect, what does (x,θ) mean?

In summary, the conversation discusses a paper that makes a switch to polar coordinates (x, φ) in the (x, y) plane and substitutes y ≡ (ax/nπ). There is a question about a possible typo and a clarification that the author changed to polar coordinates (x, y) → (r, φ) and used the radial coordinate x.
  • #1
epislon58
49
1
Hello look at (3.24). Above it, it states "We make the same switch to polar coordinates (x, φ) in the (x, y) plane, and substitute y ≡
(ax/nπ):"

Should (x, φ) be (r, φ)? Is this a typo?

Thank you.

http://aphyr.com/data/journals/113/comps.pdf
 
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  • #2
epislon58 said:
Hello look at (3.24). Above it, it states "We make the same switch to polar coordinates (x, φ) in the (x, y) plane, and substitute y ≡
(ax/nπ):"
Note he says the same switch. That's a clue, isn't it, that earlier in the paper he did the same thing? :wink:

I believe you'll find that in both places what he did was change to polar coordinates (x, y) → (r, φ) and then call the radial coordinate x.
 
  • #3
thanks
 
Last edited:

Related to Casimir Effect, what does (x,θ) mean?

1. What is the Casimir Effect?

The Casimir Effect is an observable phenomenon in quantum field theory where two parallel conductive plates placed in a vacuum will experience an attractive force due to quantum fluctuations in the surrounding electromagnetic field.

2. How does the Casimir Effect work?

The Casimir Effect is caused by the attraction of virtual particles, which are constantly popping in and out of existence in the vacuum. These particles create a fluctuating electromagnetic field, and when two conductive plates are placed close together, the field between them is restricted, causing a net force of attraction.

3. What is the significance of (x,θ) in the Casimir Effect?

(x,θ) represents the position and orientation of the plates in the Casimir Effect. The force between the plates is dependent on these parameters, as well as the distance between the plates and the size of the plates.

4. Can the Casimir Effect be observed in everyday life?

No, the Casimir Effect is only observable at very small distances, on the scale of nanometers. It is also a very weak force, so it is not noticeable in everyday objects. However, it has been experimentally confirmed in laboratory settings.

5. What are the potential applications of the Casimir Effect?

The Casimir Effect has potential applications in nanotechnology and engineering, as it can be used to manipulate and control objects at a very small scale. It may also have implications in cosmology and the study of the early universe, as it is related to quantum fluctuations in the vacuum.

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