Numerical Evaluation of the Casimir-Polder Interaction at Finite Temperature
Explore the intricacies of the Casimir-Polder interaction at finite temperature in this 21-minute conference talk by Bettina Beverungen at the Erwin Schrödinger International Institute for Mathematics and Physics. Delve into the world of thermal and quantum fluctuations, examining their role in quantum electrodynamics and the emergence of forces between neutral objects. Learn about a novel numerical scheme using the finite-element-based discontinuous Galerkin time-domain (DGTD) method for calculating Casimir-Polder interactions in various setups, including nonlocal materials and finite temperatures. Discover practical examples illustrating the flexibility and validity of this approach, from the basics of atom-surface interactions to advanced topics like zero-temperature Casimir-Polder force near a wedge. Gain insights into the limits of analytical calculations and the power of numerical simulations in understanding these fundamental physical phenomena.