The quantum vacuum from the point of view of non linear electrodynamics
Carlo Rizzo (LNCMI, CNRS, Toulouse, France)

I will first give the description of a quantum vacuum in the framework of non linear electrodynamics. I will further discuss the phenomena that are predicted because of the fact that non linear electrodynamics allows the photon-photon scattering. Some of these phenomena can be tested by astrophysical observations and/or by laboratory experiments. I will finally conclude giving the state of the art of the Toulouse BMV (Birefringence Magnétique du Vide) experiment whose goal is to observe for the first time vacuum magnetic birefringence.