The Planck Constant and the Origin of Mass Due to a Higher Order Casimir Effect

The Planck constant is one of the most important constants in nature, as it describes the world governed by quantum mechanics. However, it cannot be derived from other natural constants. We present a model from which it is possible to derive this constant without any free parameters. This is done utilizing the force between two oscillating electric dipoles described by an extension of Weber electrodynamics, based on a gravitational model by Assis. This leads not only to gravitational forces between the particles but also to a newly found Casimir-type attraction. We can use these forces to calculate the maximum point mass of this model which is equal to the Planck mass and derive the quantum of action. The result hints to a connection of quantum effects like the Casimir force and the Planck constant with gravitational ones and the origin of mass itself.