A close look at the Casimir effect

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• Francesco Intravaia (Nottingham)
• Friday 19 July 2013, 14:00-15:00
• Physics East 217.

If you have a question about this talk, please contact Vincent Boyer.

The Casimir effect is probably one of the most emblematic examples of fluctuation-induced forces. These forces are connected with a panoply of phenomena of great importance in different areas of physics, ranging from biophysics to gravity, from chemistry to cosmology. They are also technologically relevant for the influence they can have on optomechanical, nano- and micro-electro-mechanical (NEMS and MEMS ), and atomic systems. Recent theoretical and experimental investigations have shown that, using the interplay of material properties, thermodynamics and geometry, such interactions are tunable in strength and sign, opening new avenues for the investigation of fundamental concepts in quantum field theory and condensed-matter physics and leading to promising multifunctional nanoscopic devices. In this talk I will have a close look to the Casimir effect, focusing on the role played by surface plasmons, eddy currents, and geometry. Using these concepts I will also discuss some still open controversies and recent technologic relevant experiments.

This talk is part of the Cold Atoms series.

This talk is included in these lists:

• Bham Talks
• Cold Atoms
• Physics East 217
• What's on in Physics?

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