Quantum fluctuations induce conservative macroscopic forces such as the Casimir effect. They could also cause dissipative forces, termed vacuum (or quantum) friction. Up to now, this friction effect has been calculated with consideration of the electromagnetic fluctuations only, i.e. without taking into account the Dirac Sea. This project is devoted to the extension of our research in this direction: electrons, as main contributors of the matter-field interaction, also interact with electron-positron virtual pairs in the quantum vacuum. A first step, realized in 2026, has been adapting the present semi-classical framework to include vacuum polarization in quantum friction acting on a rotating pair of atoms. In the master’s internship, a similar step shall be taken to include electron-positron pair creation. In doing so, one encounters a modification of the high-energy end of Fourier integrals; thus, one will determine a friction component linked with the interaction with charge fluctuations, excited at high virtual photon energy. On this research path, one shall pay attention to maintaining the mathematical coherence of the whole framework. The complete goal of the PhD thesis is a consistent and mathematically sound quantum relativistic treatment of rotational quantum friction at the atomic level. Internship starting date : Spring 2027 / PhD potential starting date : Autumn 2027