Reviewing the Zero Point Energy

A review of recent developments in the study of the Zero Point Energy (ZPE) is made. The origin and behavior of the electromagnetic fields making up the vacuum ZPE is elucidated. From this it is deduced that the ZPE should increase with time even in a static universe such as Narliker and Arp propose. The small oscillations that a static cosmos undergoes will add a variable component to the overall behavior of the ZPE. This review examines the role played by the ZPE in the origin of atomic masses and gravity, and the dependence of five physical quantities upon the strength of the ZPE. These quantities include Planck’s constant, sub-atomic particle masses, run rates of atomic clocks and the speed of light. The suspected quantization of the redshift and its possible relationship to the ZPE is reviewed. The mathematical form of the variation of the ZPE with time is noted, and the variation in those five physical quantities is thereby delineated.