Physics – Quantum Physics
Scientific paper
2010-10-15
Proc.Nat.Acad.Sci.108:6867-6871,2011
Physics
Quantum Physics
Scientific paper
10.1073/pnas.1018079108
Casimir forces between conductors at the sub-micron scale cannot be ignored in the design and operation of micro-electromechanical (MEM) devices. However, these forces depend non-trivially on geometry, and existing formulae and approximations cannot deal with realistic micro-machinery components with sharp edges and tips. Here, we employ a novel approach to electromagnetic scattering, appropriate to perfect conductors with sharp edges and tips, specifically to wedges and cones. The interaction of these objects with a metal plate (and among themselves) is then computed systematically by a multiple-scattering series. For the wedge, we obtain analytical expressions for the interaction with a plate, as functions of opening angle and tilt, which should provide a particularly useful tool for the design of MEMs. Our result for the Casimir interactions between conducting cones and plates applies directly to the force on the tip of a scanning tunneling probe; the unexpectedly large temperature dependence of the force in these configurations should attract immediate experimental interest.
Emig Thorsten
Graham Noah
Jaffe Robert L.
Kardar Mehran
Maghrebi Mohammad F.
No associations
LandOfFree
Casimir force between sharp-shaped conductors does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.
If you have personal experience with Casimir force between sharp-shaped conductors, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Casimir force between sharp-shaped conductors will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-204444