Casimir repulsive-attractive transition between liquid-separated dielectric metamaterial and metal

TL;DR

This paper explores how the Casimir force can be tuned to switch between repulsive and attractive states in systems involving Mie metamaterials and metals, enabling stable levitation and potential frictionless suspension.

Contribution

It demonstrates the ability to control Casimir force equilibrium positions using Mie metamaterials' parameters, expanding possibilities for micro/nanofabrication applications.

Findings

Wider stable equilibrium separation with Mie metamaterials compared to natural materials.

Simple rules for tuning equilibrium position via metamaterial parameters.

Permeability of Mie metamaterials influences the equilibrium separation.

Abstract

We study the repulsive-attractive transition, regarded as stable equilibrium, between gold and dielectric metamaterial based on Mie resonance immersed in various fluids due to the interplay of gravity, buoyancy and Casimir force among different geometries consisting of parallel plates and spheres levitated over substrates. A wider range of separation distance of stable equilibrium is obtained with Mie metamaterial than natural materials. We investigate the relationship between separation distance of stable equilibrium and constructive parameters of Mie metamaterial and geometric parameters of the system, and provide simple rules to tune the equilibrium position by modifying constructive parameters of Mie metamaterial. Particularly, the effect of permeability of Mie metamaterial on equilibrium separation is also considered. Our work is promising for potential applications in frictionless suspension in micro/nanofabrication technologies.