Preprint Article Version 1 This version is not peer-reviewed

# QED Response of the Vacuum

Version 1 : Received: 1 December 2019 / Approved: 3 December 2019 / Online: 3 December 2019 (03:41:05 CET)

How to cite: Leuchs, G.; Hawton, M.; Sanchez-Soto, L. QED Response of the Vacuum. Preprints 2019, 2019120013 (doi: 10.20944/preprints201912.0013.v1). Leuchs, G.; Hawton, M.; Sanchez-Soto, L. QED Response of the Vacuum. Preprints 2019, 2019120013 (doi: 10.20944/preprints201912.0013.v1).

## Abstract

We present a new perspective of the link between QED and Maxwell's equations. We demonstrate that the interpretation of $\mathbf{D}=\varepsilon_{0} \mathbf{E}$ as vacuum polarization is consistent with QED. A free electromagnetic field polarizes the vacuum, but the polarization and magnetization currents cancel giving zero source current. The speed of light is a universal constant, while the fine structure constant, which couples the electromagnetic field to matter, runs as it should.

## Subject Areas

quantum vacuum; Linear response; QED