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Quantum electrodynamic fields exhibit fluctuations that can be described by polarizability density. This study derives the Casimir self-interaction energy density, aligning with cosmological models and bridging recent cosmological constant measurements.

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Area of Science:

  • Quantum Field Theory
  • Cosmology
  • Quantum Electrodynamics

Background:

  • Quantum electrodynamic fields exhibit fluctuations forming transient particle-antiparticle dipoles.
  • These fluctuations can be quantified by a nonvanishing polarizability density.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To extend a quantum scaling law for describing volumetric and radial polarizability density.
  • To derive the Casimir self-interaction energy density (E[over ¯]_{SIE}) for quantum fields (electrons and positrons).
  • To express E[over ¯]_{SIE} in terms of the fine-structure constant.

Main Methods:

  • Extension of a previously proposed quantum scaling law.
  • Derivation of volumetric and radial polarizability density for quantum fields.
  • Calculation of Casimir self-interaction energy density.

Main Results:

  • The derived model for polarizability density obeys the cosmological equation of state w=-1.
  • The calculated Casimir self-interaction energy density (E[over ¯]_{SIE}) falls between Planck and Hubble Space Telescope measurements of the cosmological constant (Λ).

Conclusions:

  • The study provides a theoretical framework connecting quantum electrodynamics with cosmological observations.
  • The derived Casimir self-interaction energy density offers a potential explanation for the observed cosmological constant value.