Problems in the Lifshitz Theory of Atom-Wall Interaction

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. Co...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inarXiv.org
Main Authors Klimchitskaya, G L, Blagov, E V, Mostepanenko, V M
Format Paper Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Ithaca Cornell University Library, arXiv.org 30.04.2009
Subjects
Dielectrics
Diffusion effects
Free energy
Nernst-Ettingshausen effect
Physics - Quantum Physics
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Summary: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.
ISSN:2331-8422
DOI:10.48550/arxiv.0904.4892