QED Response of the Vacuum
Keyword(s):
We present a new perspective on the link between quantum electrodynamics (QED) and Maxwell’s equations. We demonstrate that the interpretation of the electric displacement vector D = ε 0 E , where E is the electric field vector and ε 0 is the permittivity of the vacuum, as vacuum polarization is consistent with QED. A free electromagnetic field polarizes the vacuum, but the polarization and magnetization currents cancel giving zero source current. The speed of light is a universal constant, while the fine structure constant, which couples the electromagnetic field to matter runs, as it should.
1982 ◽
Vol 304
(1482)
◽
pp. 3-4
Keyword(s):
1987 ◽
Vol IM-36
(2)
◽
pp. 201-204
◽
2015 ◽
Vol 39
◽
pp. 1560107