Kvanttityhjiön

Kvanttityhjiö refers to the vacuum state in quantum field theory. Contrary to the classical notion of an empty void, the quantum vacuum is a dynamic and complex entity. It is the lowest energy state of a quantum field, but this lowest energy state is not necessarily zero. Quantum field theory postulates that all fundamental particles are excitations of underlying quantum fields. Even in the absence of any particles, these fields possess inherent quantum fluctuations.

These fluctuations mean that particle-antiparticle pairs can spontaneously appear and annihilate each other over very short timescales, a phenomenon known as virtual particles. This constant activity gives the quantum vacuum a measurable, non-zero energy. The Casimir effect is experimental evidence that supports the existence of these vacuum fluctuations. It describes an attractive force between two closely spaced, uncharged conductive plates in a vacuum, which arises from the difference in vacuum energy inside and outside the plates. The concept of the quantum vacuum has profound implications for understanding phenomena such as the behavior of subatomic particles, cosmology, and the structure of spacetime.