Theoretical Limits on the Efficiency of a Quantum Vacuum Thruster

摘要: Theory and experiments show that vacuum fluctuations in quantum gravity can be abnormally strong, also at the micrometer or nanometer scale, for following reasons: (1) Einstein action is not positive-definite; (2) it only possible effective gravitational action; (3) mechanics, form of Feynman path integral, must apply to it, because any natural process result all its amplitudes; (4) due (1), there are important non-classical virtual field configurations which agree on a common phase. These interact directly with coherent matter, but emit gravitons absorbed by ordinary matter. All this makes possible, principle, thruster much more efficient than those based electromagnetic Casimir effect. We give an estimate efficiency mentioned microscopic processes some parameters observed anomalous forces superconductors. With energy order 10-4 electric power 10 W per kilogram mass propel, we find velocity 0.1c reached ca. years. Possible improvements practical limits outlined. discuss how concept ideal should modified allow consistent description these phenomena.