ONE-DIMENSIONAL CASIMIR EFFECT PERTURBED BY AN EXTERNAL-FIELD

We consider the problem of evaluating the Casimir effect by the mode-s um method for a quantum field in a one-dimensional space, in the prese nce of two point-like boundaries of Dirichlet type, and under the infl uence of a constant external field-which may be envisaged as a classic al gravitatory field near the surface of a planet or a classical elect ric field in the interior of a flat capacitor. The case of infinitely separated points is also examined. Despite apparent simplicity, the ca lculation exhibits rather non-trivial aspects. The possibility of an e xperimental observation of these effects is considered.