Long-range magnetic interaction within quantum electrodynamics formalism

Abstract

Within the framework of quantum electrodynamics, the interaction between two atoms at large distances is analyzed. Using the S-matrix formalism, an expression for the magnetic interaction potential is derived, which agrees with the well-known result of classical electrodynamics. However, quantum electrodynamics goes beyond this conventional result and allows one to treat a wide range of problems related to the structure of atomic energy levels. In particular, it is shown that the asymptotic behavior of the interaction potential can deviate from the classical prediction, depending on the atomic states involved. As an example, dispersion coefficients are calculated for the s-states of hydrogen atoms, where the long-range potential reduces to a spin-spin interaction. The results obtained open up the possibility of a straightforward comparative analysis of long-range interaction potentials between atoms of matter and antimatter. The applicability of this approach is demonstrated for the hydrogen-antihydrogen system.