Stochastic electrodynamics (SED) extends classical electrodynamics (CED) of theoretical physics by adding the hypothesis of a classical Lorentz invariant radiation field having statistical properties similar to that of the electromagnetic zero-point field (ZPF) of quantum electrodynamics (QED).
Key ingredients
Stochastic electrodynamics combines two conventional classical ideas – electromagnetism derived from point charges obeying Maxwell's equations and particle motion driven by Lorentz forces – with one unconventional hypothesis: the classical field has radiation even at T=0. This zero-point radiation is inferred from observations of the (macroscopic) Casimir effect forces at low temperatures. As temperature approaches zero, experimental measurements of the force between two uncharged, conducting plates in a vacuum do not go to zero as classical electrodynamics would predict. Taking this result as evidence of classical zero-point radiation leads to the stochastic electrodynamics model.
History
Stochastic electrodynamics is a term for a collection of research efforts of many different styles based on the hypothesis that there exists a Lorentz invariant random electromagnetic radiation. The work of Marshall (1963) and Timothy Boyer,
on stochastic electrodynamics can be viewed building spontaneous emission into a semiclassical theory.
Timothy Boyer, author of many papers in the field, has noted that some of papers on the subject contain exaggerated claims or errors.
- Diamagnetism
- The Unruh effect
The following SED-based calculations and SED-related claims are more controversial, and some have been subject to published criticism:
- The ground state of the harmonic oscillator
- The ground state of the hydrogen atom
- De Broglie waves
- Inertia
- Gravitation