Measurements of the Normal and Shape Dependent Casimir Forces Using an Atomic Force Microscope

Abstract

The precision instrumental developments and the modern unification theories using compact dimensions have motivated a resurgence in the field of Casimir force measurements. Here, after a brief discussion of the history of Casimir force measurements, the experimental results of Casimir force measurements using an Atomic Force Microscope will be presented. Precision measurements of the normal Casimir force, demonstration of the shape dependent Casimir force and the lateral Casimir force will be presented.

The Casimir force: background, experiments, and applications

“…At this distance, the theoretical uncertainties associated with the corrections for real materials, as described previously, become much less important. Progress towards improved accuaracy has been rapid [91].…”

An opto-electro-mechanical infrared photon detector with high internal gain at room temperature

“…It is in observing this phase change that we believe we are able to see the effects of the quantum mechanical Casimir force. Since the late 1990's, research has been done using AFMs to measure the Casimir force [14][15][16][17][18]. These measurements have been performed with large metal spheres and/or flat metal plates.…”