Presentation
22 August 2020 Measuring the Casimir forces and torques
Author Affiliations +
Abstract
The confinement of quantum electromagnetic fluctuations between two, isotropic macroscopic objects results in a force, i.e. the Casimir force. This force depends on both the geometry and the optical properties of the materials involved. An additional effect has been predicted for optically anisotropic materials, which can cause a rotation, i.e. a Casimir torque. Here we present our recent measurements of both of these phenomena. First, I will describe our results pertaining to the Casimir force between two spheres – a geometry that has previously eluded measurement due to experimental difficulties. Second, I will discuss additional geometries including pillars and holes that are now possible with this measurement technique and why they are interesting. Finally, I will conclude with a discussion of our recent measurement of the Casimir torque.
Conference Presentation
© (2020) COPYRIGHT Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers (SPIE). Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Jeremy N. Munday "Measuring the Casimir forces and torques", Proc. SPIE 11463, Optical Trapping and Optical Micromanipulation XVII, 114631P (22 August 2020); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2569052
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KEYWORDS
Electromagnetism

Optical properties

Optical spheres

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