Wading through the void: Exploring quantum friction and nonequilibrium fluctuations

Abstract

When two or more objects move relative to one another in vacuum, they experience a drag force which, at zero temperature, usually goes under the name of quantum friction. This contactless non-conservative interaction is mediated by the fluctuations of the material-modified quantum electrodynamic vacuum and, hence, is purely quantum in nature. Numerous investigations have revealed the richness of the mechanisms at work, thereby stimulating novel theoretical and experimental approaches and identifying challenges as well as opportunities. In this article, we provide an overview of the physics surrounding quantum friction and a perspective on recent developments.