The Casimir Atomic Pendulum

TL;DR

This paper proposes a novel atomic pendulum driven by quantum vacuum fluctuations, utilizing the Casimir-Polder effect, with potential applications in nanotechnology and vacuum-based timekeeping devices.

Contribution

It introduces the concept of a Casimir atomic pendulum driven by quantum vacuum forces, combining nanostructures and Casimir effects for the first time.

Findings

Calculated oscillation period using realistic nanotech data

Demonstrated feasibility of vacuum-driven mechanical systems

Proposed a new approach for vacuum-based clocks

Abstract

We want to introduce an atomic pendulum whose driving force (torque) is due to the quantum vacuum fluctuations. Applying the well-known Casimir-Polder effect to a special configuration (a combined structure of an atomic nanostring and a conducting plate), an atomic pendulum (Casimir atomic pendulum) is designed. Using practically acceptable data corresponding to the already known world of nanotechnology and based on reasonable/reliable numerical estimates, the period of oscillation for the pendulum is computed. This pendulum can be considered as both a new Micro (Nano)-Eelectromechanical system and a new simple vacuum machine. Its design may be considered as a first step towards realizing the visualized vacuum (Casimir) clock!