Macroscopic quantum electrodynamics - Concepts and applications In this article, we review the principles of macroscopic quantum electrodynamics and discuss a variety of applications of this theory to medium-assisted atom-field coupling and dispersion forces. The theory generalises the standard mode expansion of the electromagnetic fields in free space to allow for the presence of absorbing bodies. We show that macroscopic quantum electrodynamics provides the link between isolated atomic systems and magnetoelectric bodies, and serves as an important tool for the understanding of surface-assisted atomic relaxation effects and the intimately connected position-dependent energy shifts which give rise to Casimir—Polder and van der Waals forces.Macroscopic quantum electrodynamics - Concepts and applications In this article, we review the principles of macroscopic quantum electrodynamics and discuss a variety of applications of this theory to medium-assisted atom-field coupling and dispersion forces. The theory generalises the standard mode expansion of the electromagnetic fields in free space to allow for the presence of absorbing bodies. We show that macroscopic quantum electrodynamics provides the link between isolated atomic systems and magnetoelectric bodies, and serves as an important tool for the understanding of surface-assisted atomic relaxation effects and the intimately connected position-dependent energy shifts which give rise to Casimir—Polder and van der Waals forces.

Acta Physica Slovaca Reviews and TutorialsOct 1, 2008372 citations

Macroscopic Quantum Electrodynamics with Gain: Modified Fluctuations and Their Consequences

Daigo Oue

Macroscopic quantum electrodynamics (MQED) provides a unified framework for describing quantum electromagnetic fields in arbitrary macroscopic environments. Central to this theory is the field correlation, which governs both radiative (e.g., Lamb shifts and the Purcell effect) and mechanical phenomena, such as van der Waals and Casimir forces. In this tutorial, we provide an overview of MQED and its extension to active media, highlighting fluctuation-induced forces as manifestations of gain-modified field correlations.Macroscopic quantum electrodynamics (MQED) provides a unified framework for describing quantum electromagnetic fields in arbitrary macroscopic environments. Central to this theory is the field correlation, which governs both radiative (e.g., Lamb shifts and the Purcell effect) and mechanical phenomena, such as van der Waals and Casimir forces. In this tutorial, we provide an overview of MQED and its extension to active media, highlighting fluctuation-induced forces as manifestations of gain-modified field correlations.

quant-pharXiv:2602.22429Feb 27, 2026

Quantum electrodynamics

Alessandro Bettini

Cambridge University Press eBooksMay 8, 200874 citations

Quantum Electrodynamics

WORLD SCIENTIFIC eBooksNov 6, 20130 citations

Comparison of quantum and classical local-field effects on two-level atoms in a dielectric

Michael E. Crenshaw

The macroscopic quantum theory of the electromagnetic field in a dielectric medium interacting with a dense collection of embedded two-level atoms fails to reproduce a result that is obtained from an application of the classical Lorentz local-field condition. Specifically, macroscopic quantum electrodynamics predicts that the Lorentz redshift of the resonance frequency of the atoms will be enhanced by a factor of the refractive index $n$ of the host medium. However, an enhancement factor of $({n}^{2}+2)∕3$ is derived using the Bloembergen procedure in which the classical Lorentz local-field condition is applied to the optical Bloch equations. Both derivations are short and uncomplicated and are based on well-established physical theories, yet lead to contradictory results. Microscopic quantum electrodynamics confirms the classical local-field-based results. Then the application of macroscopic quantum electrodynamic theory to embedded atoms is proved false by a specific example in which both the correspondence principle and microscopic theory of quantum electrodynamics are violated.The macroscopic quantum theory of the electromagnetic field in a dielectric medium interacting with a dense collection of embedded two-level atoms fails to reproduce a result that is obtained from an application of the classical Lorentz local-field condition. Specifically, macroscopic quantum electrodynamics predicts that the Lorentz redshift of the resonance frequency of the atoms will be enhanced by a factor of the refractive index $n$ of the host medium. However, an enhancement factor of $({n}^{2}+2)∕3$ is derived using the Bloembergen procedure in which the classical Lorentz local-field condition is applied to the optical Bloch equations. Both derivations are short and uncomplicated and are based on well-established physical theories, yet lead to contradictory results. Microscopic quantum electrodynamics confirms the classical local-field-based results. Then the application of macroscopic quantum electrodynamic theory to embedded atoms is proved false by a specific example in which both the correspondence principle and microscopic theory of quantum electrodynamics are violated.

arXiv:0805.2134Physical Review ANov 26, 200837 citations

n

of the host medium. However, an enhancement factor of

({n}^{2}+2)∕3

is derived using the Bloembergen procedure in which the classical Lorentz local-field condition is applied to the optical Bloch equations. Both derivations are short and uncomplicated and are based on well-established physical theories, yet lead to contradictory results. Microscopic quantum electrodynamics confirms the classical local-field-based results. Then the application of macroscopic quantum electrodynamic theory to embedded atoms is proved false by a specific example in which both the correspondence principle and microscopic theory of quantum electrodynamics are violated.