Pulsating Casimir force

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates that laser pulses can switch the Casimir force between attraction and repulsion in layered systems, enabling new nanotech actuation methods based on quantum vacuum oscillations.

Contribution

It introduces a method to control Casimir forces using laser pulses in layered materials, enabling reversible switching between attraction and repulsion.

Findings

Laser illumination can switch Casimir force from attraction to repulsion.

The effect is demonstrated in specific layered systems including Si and gold-based structures.

Potential applications in nanomechanical devices are proposed.

Abstract

Based on the Lifshitz theory we show that the illumination of one (Si) plate in the three-layer systems Au--ethanol--Si, Si--ethanol--Si and $\alpha$-Al${}_2$O${}_3$--ethanol--Si with laser pulses can change the Casimir attraction to Casimir repulsion and vice versa. The proposed effect opens novel opportunities in nanotechnology to actuate the periodic movement in electro- and optomechanical micromachines based entirely on the zero-point oscillations of the quantum vacuum without the action of mechanical springs.