Theory of operation Quantum vacuum thruster

prototype resonant cavity thruster built nasa eagleworks

a vacuum can viewed not empty space combination of zero-point fields. according quantum field theory universe made of matter fields quanta fermions (e.g. electrons , quarks) , force fields, quanta bosons (i.e. photons , gluons). these fields have intrinsic zero-point energy. describing quantum vacuum, physics today article cited nasa team describes ensemble of fields turbulent sea, roiling waves associated panoply of force-mediating fields such photon , higgs fields . given equivalence of mass , energy expressed einstein s e = mc, point in space contains energy can thought of having mass create particles. virtual particles spontaneously flash existence , annihilate each other @ every point in space due energy of quantum fluctuations. many real physical effects attributed these vacuum fluctuations have been experimentally verified, such spontaneous emission, casimir force, lamb shift, magnetic moment of electron , delbrück scattering; these effects called radiative corrections .

casimir forces on parallel plates due vacuum fluctuations

the casimir effect weak force between 2 uncharged conductive plates caused zero-point energy of vacuum. first observed experimentally lamoreaux (1997) , results showing force have been repeatedly replicated. several scientists including white have highlighted net thrust can indeed induced on spacecraft via related dynamical casimir effect . dynamic casimir effect observed experimentally first time in 2011 wilson et al. in dynamical casimir effect electromagnetic radiation emitted when mirror accelerated through space @ relativistic speeds. when speed of mirror begins match speed of photons, photons become separated virtual pair , not annihilated. virtual photons become real , mirror begins produce light. example of unruh radiation. publication feigel (2004) raised possibility of casimir-like effect transfers momentum zero-point quantum fluctuations matter, controlled applied electric , magnetic fields. these results debated in number of follow papers in particular van tiggelen et al. (2006) found no momentum transfer homogeneous fields, predict small transfer casimir-like field geometry. cumulated birkeland & brevik (2007) showed electromagnetic vacuum fields can cause broken symmetries (anisotropy) in transfer of momentum or, put way, extraction of momentum electromagnetic zero-point fluctuations possible in analogous way extraction of energy possible casimir effect. birkeland & brevik highlight momentum asymmetries exist throughout nature , artificial stimulation of these electric , magnetic fields have been experimentally observed in complex liquids. relates abraham–minkowski controversy, long theoretical , experimental debate continues current time. recognized controversy argument definition of interaction between matter , fields. has been argued momentum transfer between matter , electromagnetic fields relating abraham-minikowski issue allow propellant-less drives.

a qvt system seeks make use of predicted casimir-like momentum transfer. argued when vacuum exposed crossed electric , magnetic fields (i.e. e , b-fields) induce drift of entire vacuum plasma orthogonal of applied e x b fields. in 2015 paper white highlighted presence of ordinary matter predicted cause energy perturbation in surrounding quantum vacuum such local vacuum state has different energy density when compared empty cosmological vacuum energy state. suggests possibility of modelling vacuum dynamic entity opposed being immutable , non-degradable state. white models perturbed quantum vacuum around hydrogen atom dirac vacuum consisting of virtual electron-positron pairs. given nontrivial variability in local energy densities resulting virtual pair production suggests tools of magnetohydrodynamics (mhd) can used model quasiclassical behavior of quantum vacuum plasma.

white compares changes in vacuum energy density induced matter hypothetical chameleon field or quintessence being discussed in scientific literature. claimed existence of “chameleon” field mass dependent on local matter density may explanation dark energy. number of notable physicists, such sean carroll, see idea of dynamical vacuum energy simplest , best explanation dark energy. evidence quintessence come violations of einstein s equivalence principle , variation of fundamental constants ideas due tested euclid telescope set launch in 2020.

systems utilizing casimir effects have far been shown create small forces , considered one-shot devices require subsequent energy recharge them (i.e. forward s vacuum fluctuation battery ). ability of systems use zero-point field continuously source of energy or propellant more contentious (though peer-reviewed models have been proposed). there debate on formalisms of quantum mechanics apply propulsion physics under such circumstances, more refined quantum electrodynamics (qed), or relatively undeveloped , controversial stochastical quantum electrodynamics (sed). sed describes electromagnetic energy @ absolute 0 stochastic, fluctuating zero-point field. in sed motion of particle immersed in stochastic zero-point radiation field results in highly nonlinear behaviour. quantum effects emerge result of permanent matter-field interactions not possible describe in qed typical mathematical models used in classical electromagnetism, quantum electrodynamics (qed) , standard model view electromagnetism u(1) gauge theory, topologically restricts complex nonlinear interaction. electromagnetic vacuum in these theories viewed linear system no overall observable consequence. many practical calculations zero-point energy dismissed fiat in mathematical model constant may canceled or term has no physical effect.

the 2016 nasa paper highlights stochastic electrodynamics (sed) allows pilot-wave interpretation of quantum mechanics. pilot-wave interpretations of quantum mechanics family of deterministic nonlocal theories distinct other more mainstream interpretations such copenhagen interpretation , everett s many-worlds interpretation. pioneering experiments couder , fort beginning in 2006 have shown macroscopic classical pilot-waves can exhibit characteristics thought restricted quantum realm. hydrodynamic pilot-wave analogs have been able duplicate double slit experiment, tunneling, quantized orbits, , numerous other quantum phenomena , such pilot-wave theories experiencing resurgence in interest. coulder , fort note in 2006 paper pilot-waves nonlinear dissipative systems sustained external forces. dissipative system characterized spontaneous appearance of symmetry breaking (anisotropy) , formation of complex, chaotic or emergent, dynamics interacting fields can exhibit long range correlations. in sed 0 point field (zpf) plays role of pilot wave guides real particles on way. modern approaches sed consider wave , particle-like quantum effects well-coordinated emergent systems result of speculated sub-quantum interactions zero-point field

controversy , criticism

a number of notable physicists have found q-thruster concept implausible. example, mathematical physicist john baez has criticized reference quantum vacuum virtual plasma noting that: there s no such thing virtual plasma . noted caltech theoretical physicist sean m. carroll has affirmed statement, writing [t]here no such thing ‘quantum vacuum virtual plasma,’... . in addition, lafleur found quantum field theory predicts no net force, implying measured thrusts unlikely due quantum effects. however, lafleur noted conclusion based on assumption electric , magnetic fields homogeneous, whereas theories posit small net force in inhomogeneous vacuums.

especially, violation of energy , momentum conservation laws have been heavily criticized. in presentation @ nasa ames research centre in november, 2014, harold white addressed issue of conservation of momentum stating q-thruster conserves momentum creating wake or anisotropic state in quantum vacuum. white indicated once false positives ruled out, eagleworks explore momentum distribution , divergence angle of quantum vacuum wake using second q-thruster measure quantum vacuum wake. in paper published in january, 2014, white proposed address conservation of momentum issue stating q-thruster pushes quantum particles (electrons/positrons) in 1 direction, whereas q-thruster recoils conserve momentum in other direction. white stated principle similar how submarine uses propeller push water in 1 direction, while submarine recoils conserve momentum. hence, violations of fundamental laws of physics can avoided.

other hypothesized quantum vacuum thrusters

a number of physicists have suggested spacecraft or object may generate thrust through interaction quantum vacuum. example, fabrizio pinto in 2006 paper published in journal of british interplanetary society noted may possible bring cluster of polarisable vacuum particles hover in laboratory , transfer thrust macroscopic accelerating vehicle. similarly, jordan maclay in 2004 paper titled gedanken spacecraft operates using quantum vacuum (dynamic casimir effect) published in scientific journal foundations of physics noted possible accelerate spacecraft based on dynamic casimir effect, in electromagnetic radiation emitted when uncharged mirror accelerated in vacuum. similarly, puthoff noted in 2010 paper titled engineering zero-point field , polarizable vacuum interstellar flight published in journal of british interplanetary society noted may possible quantum vacuum might manipulated provide energy/thrust future space vehicles. likewise, researcher yoshinari minami in 2008 paper titled preliminary theoretical considerations getting thrust via squeezed vacuum published in journal of british interplanetary society noted theoretical possibility of extracting thrust excited vacuum induced controlling squeezed light. in addition, alexander feigel in 2009 paper noted propulsion in quantum vacuum may achieved rotating or aggregating magneto-electric nano-particles in strong perpendicular electrical , magnetic fields.

however, according puthoff, although method can produce angular momentum causing static disk (known feynman disk) begin rotate, cannot induce linear momentum due phenomenon known hidden momentum cancels ability of proposed e×b propulsion method generate linear momentum. however, recent experimental , theoretical work van tiggelen , colleagues suggests linear momentum may transferred quantum vacuum in presence of external magnetic field.