QuantenfluktuationsPhänomenik

Quantenfluktuationen, also quantum fluctuations, are temporary changes in the amount of energy at a point in space, as predicted by the Heisenberg uncertainty principle. These fluctuations are a fundamental aspect of quantum field theory and describe the inherent uncertainty in the quantum world. Even in a vacuum, which is considered to be empty space, quantum fluctuations mean that virtual particles are constantly popping into and out of existence. These virtual particles exist for incredibly short periods before annihilating each other, and they carry energy with them. This process does not violate the conservation of energy because the particles are "virtual" and their existence is limited by the uncertainty principle.

The effects of quantum fluctuations are observable and have significant implications. For instance, they are believed to be responsible for the Casimir effect, where two uncharged conductive plates placed very close together experience an attractive force. This force arises from the difference in the vacuum energy between the region inside the plates and the region outside. Quantum fluctuations also play a role in the early universe, potentially seeding the formation of large-scale structures through tiny variations in the primordial energy density. While individual fluctuations are fleeting and microscopic, their cumulative effect can be profound on cosmological scales.