Casimir Energies due to Matter Fields in $T^{2}$ and $T^{2}/Z_{2}$ Compactifications

Abstract

We calculate the Casimir energies due to matter fields with various boundary conditions along two compact directions in $T^{2}$ compactification. We discuss whether the Casimir energies generate attractive or repulsive forces. On the theories with extra dimensions, the Casimir energy plays a crucial role in the mechanism for stabilizing the size of extra dimensions. Finally we argue a procedure of the application to $Z_{2}$ orbifold.