7 May 2009; Mat-Nat Faculty (UiTø), room A228. Thursday 14:15-16:00

Per Jakobsen

"The numerical calculation of Casimir forces: A numerical challenge"

Casimir forces are forces arising from quantum fluctuations of the electromagnetic field. They persist even at zero temperature when, from a classical point of view, there is no field present.

I will start with giving a short timeline indicating some of the major events leading up to H.Casimir's prediction of the existence of electromagnetic forces between neutral objects in empty space (Casimir forces). The standard method for calculating Casimir forces will be discussed, its limitations displayed and a possible numerical approach will be introduced and problems (fatal?) associated with this method discussed.