An Experimental Exploration of the Quantum Vacuum Through the Casimir Force


Book Description

Quantum theory predicts that the vacuum (empty space) is filled with virtual particles also referred to as zero point energy. H.B.G. Casimir, calculated an extraordinary property, that two uncharged metallic plates placed parallel in vacuum, would experience an attractive force due to the alteration of the zero point electromagnetic energy. Some of the fascinating aspects of the force, its implications and its measurements will be discussed.




Forces Of The Quantum Vacuum: An Introduction To Casimir Physics


Book Description

Forces of the Quantum Vacuum presents a number of theoretical approaches to Casimir, van der Waals and Casimir-Polder forces that have been fruitfully employed in mainstream research, and also reviews the experimental evidence for Casimir forces. Beginning with basic ideas in quantum mechanics and building its way to a sophisticated form of macroscopic QED, the book provides an inspiring training manual for graduate students to develop in a natural progression the ideas needed for modern theoretical research on Casimir forces.




Advances in the Casimir Effect


Book Description

This book is a comprehensive sourcebook, distilled from hundreds of recently published papers, about the Casimir effect: the small forces originating from the quantum vacuum and acting between closely spaced bodies. It brings together developments in experiment and theory, fundamental and applied aspects of the Casimir force.




Casimir Physics


Book Description

Casimir effects serve as primary examples of directly observable manifestations of the nontrivial properties of quantum fields, and as such are attracting increasing interest from quantum field theorists, particle physicists, and cosmologists. Furthermore, though very weak except at short distances, Casimir forces are universal in the sense that all material objects are subject to them. They are thus also an increasingly important part of the physics of atom-surface interactions, while in nanotechnology they are being investigated not only as contributors to ‘stiction’ but also as potential mechanisms for actuating micro-electromechanical devices. While the field of Casimir physics is expanding rapidly, it has reached a level of maturity in some important respects: on the experimental side, where most sources of imprecision in force measurements have been identified as well as on the theoretical side, where, for example, semi-analytical and numerical methods for the computation of Casimir forces between bodies of arbitrary shape have been successfully developed. This book is, then, a timely and comprehensive guide to the essence of Casimir (and Casimir-Polder) physics that will have lasting value, serving the dual purpose of an introduction and reference to the field. While this volume is not intended to be a unified textbook, but rather a collection of largely independent chapters written by prominent experts in the field, the detailed and carefully written articles adopt a style that should appeal to non-specialist researchers in the field as well as to a broader audience of graduate students.




State Of The Quantum Vacuum, The: Casimir Physics In The 2020's


Book Description

This review volume is intended to survey the field of quantum fluctuational phenomena induced by material bodies, which is commonly encompassed under the name of Casimir physics. H B G Casimir first discovered that zero-point fluctuations in the electromagnetic field caused an attractive force between closely separated metallic plates. Now — 75 years later — the field is burgeoning, with numerous experimental verifications and applications to practical devices starting to emerge.In this book, new ideas about Casimir physics are brought to bear on such diverse subjects as cosmology, where the Casimir energy may explain the dark energy that causes the cosmic repulsion, and nonstatic regimes, such as Casimir or quantum friction. Unsolved problems, including divergences in Casimir self-energies, the meaning of local energy densities in inhomogeneous backgrounds, and discrepancies between theory and experiment, are treated in some detail. It is hoped that this collection of papers will serve as an introduction to the field for newcomers to the subject, and that it will inspire a new burst of research into the nature of the quantum vacuum.




Optomechanics with Quantum Vacuum Fluctuations


Book Description

This thesis presents the first realization of non-reciprocal energy transfer between two cantilevers by quantum vacuum fluctuations. According to quantum mechanics, vacuum is not empty but full of fluctuations due to zero-point energy. Such quantum vacuum fluctuations can lead to an attractive force between two neutral plates in vacuum – the so-called Casimir effect – which has attracted great attention as macroscopic evidence of quantum electromagnetic fluctuations, and can dominate the interaction between neutral surfaces at small separations. The first experimental demonstration of diode-like energy transport in vacuum reported in this thesis is a breakthrough in Casimir-based devices. It represents an efficient and robust way of regulating phonon transport along one preferable direction in vacuum. In addition, the three-body Casimir effects investigated in this thesis were used to realize a transistor-like three-terminal device with quantum vacuum fluctuations. These two breakthroughs pave the way for exploring and developing advanced Casimir-based devices with potential applications in quantum information science. This thesis also includes a study of the non-contact Casimir friction, which will enrich the understanding of quantum vacuum fluctuations.




Advances in the Casimir Effect


Book Description

This title is a comprehensive sourcebook, distilled from hundreds of recently published papers, about the Casimir effect: the small forces originating from the quantum vacuum and acting between closely spaced bodies. It brings together developments in experiment and theory, fundamental and applied aspects of the Casimir force.--Résumé de l'éditeur.




The Casimir Effect


Book Description

In its simplest manifestation, the Casimir effect is a quantum force of attraction between two parallel uncharged conducting plates. More generally, it refers to the interaction OCo which may be either attractive or repulsive OCo between material bodies due to quantum fluctuations in whatever fields are relevant. It is a local version of the van der Waals force between molecules. Its sweep ranges from perhaps its being the origin of the cosmological constant to its being responsible for the confinement of quarks. This monograph develops the theory of such forces, based primarily on physically transparent Green''s function techniques, and makes applications from quarks to the cosmos, as well as observable consequences in condensed matter systems. It is aimed at graduate students and researchers in theoretical physics, quantum field theory, and applied mathematics. Contents: Introduction to the Casimir Effect; Casimir Force Between Parallel Plates; Casimir Force Between Parallel Dielectrics; Casimir Effect with Perfect Spherical; The Casimir Effect of a Dielectric Ball: The Equivalence of the Casimir Effect and van der Waals Forces; Application to Hadronic Physics: Zero-Point Energy in the Bag Model; Casimir Effect in Cylindrical Geometries; Casimir Effect in Two Dimensions: The Maxwell-Chern-Simons Casimir Effect; Casimir Effect on a D -dimensional Sphere; Cosmological Implications of the Casimir Effect; Local Effects; Sonoluminescene and the Dynamical Casimir Effect; Radiative Corrections to the Casimir Effect; Conclusions and Outlook; Appendices: Relation of Contour Integral Method to Green''s Function Approach; Casimir Effect for a Closed String. Readership: High-energy, condensed-matter and nuclear physicists."




The Casimir Effect and Its Applications


Book Description

Of value to the general scientific public, this is the first book in the world scientific literature devoted to the Casimir effect. This topic has important applications in the fields of elementary particle physics, statistical physics, quantum field theory, gravitation and cosmology.




Journeying through the Quantum World


Book Description

## Journeying through the Quantum World Master Quantum Mechanics Through Thought Experiments Unlock the mysteries of the universe with "Journeying through the Quantum World," your essential guide to understanding quantum mechanics through a series of captivating thought experiments. This eBook takes you on a thrilling exploration of quantum phenomena, distilling complex theories into accessible and engaging narratives that will spark your imagination and deepen your understanding. ### Discover the Fascinating Realm of Quantum Mechanics ### Introduction to Quantum Thought Experiments Embark on your journey with an introduction to the pivotal role thought experiments play in scientific discovery. Positioned in the historical context of quantum mechanics, this section equips you with the mindset of a quantum physicist. ### Schrödinger's Cat The Gateway Dive into Schrödinger's iconic cat scenario, a gateway to understanding superposition and the various interpretations that have intrigued scientists for decades. ### Heisenberg's Uncertainty Principle Uncover the formulation and practical implications of Heisenberg's Uncertainty Principle, illustrated through thought experiments that bring the concept to life. ### Quantum Entanglement Spooky Action at a Distance Explore the enigmatic world of quantum entanglement with explanations of the EPR Paradox, Bell's Theorem, and their revolutionary applications in quantum information theory. ### The Quantum Double-Slit Experiment Witness the peculiar nature of wave-particle duality through the double-slit experiment. Different variations and interpretations offer a window into the core of quantum mechanics. ### The Many-Worlds Interpretation Navigate through Hugh Everett's groundbreaking Many-Worlds Interpretation and compare it with the Copenhagen Interpretation using vivid thought experiments. ### The Quantum Zeno Effect Grasp the paradox of the Quantum Zeno Effect and its real-world implications, backed by meticulous experimental verifications. ### Quantum Tunneling and the Barrier Blockade Discover the astounding concept of quantum tunneling and its technological applications, elucidated through detailed thought experiments. ### Wave Function Collapse Understand the measurement problem and the observer effect with engaging thought experiments, interlaced with ongoing scientific debates and interpretations. ### Quantum Teleportation Delve into the theoretical and practical aspects of quantum teleportation, pondering future prospects and ethical considerations. ### Quantum Computing Is Thought Enough? Get introduced to the basics of quantum computing, exploring iconic thought experiments and their potential to revolutionize computation. ### Quantum Field Theory and Virtual Particles Venture into quantum fields and virtual particles, emphasizing their profound implications for modern physics through insightful thought experiments. ### Quantum Cosmology Apply quantum mechanics to the cosmos, exploring the early universe, black holes, and the information paradox with innovative thought experiments. ### Decoherence and Quantum Classical Transition Investigate decoherence mechanisms and the boundary between quantum and classical worlds, and ponder the implications for our perception of reality. ### Revisiting the Basics What is Reality? Conclude your journey by reflecting on the philosophical implications of quantum mechanics, revisiting key thought experiments, and exploring contemporary views on the nature of reality. Embark on this intellectual odyssey and transform your understanding of the quantum world. "Journeying through the Quantum World" is not just a book—it's your portal to the frontier of scientific thought. Secure your copy today and start your journey into the quantum unknown!