On the fluctuations of the Casimir force

摘要: Standard statistical and quantum physics are used to analyse the fluctuations of Casimir stress S (normal force per unit area) exerted on a flat perfect mirror (conductor) by zero-point electromagnetic fields in adjacent space, partly order help dispel apologetics that often befog effects generally. is measurable only when averaged (S) over finite times T, also areas typical linear dimensions a. With one mirror, mean-square deviations ( Delta S2)=constant*h(cross)2/c6T8, value such constants depending how apparatus averages time; if >cT, then (S2)=constant*h(cross)2/c4a2T6. On pair parallel mirrors distance L apart, cT>>a, cT>>L, S2)=( S2)=constant*h(cross)2/c4L2T6. Mirror transparency at frequencies well above 1/T has negligible effect. An appendix outlines mathematical problems, mostly unsolved, met attempts evaluate full probability distributions underlying deviations.