Repulsive Casimir forces produced in rectangular cavities: Possible measurements and applications

TL;DR

This paper analyzes the theoretical possibility of measuring repulsive Casimir forces inside rectangular cavities, considering real-world factors, and explores their potential application in reducing friction in micro and nanoelectromechanical systems.

Contribution

It provides a detailed theoretical analysis of repulsive Casimir forces in rectangular cavities, including effects of conductivity, temperature, and roughness, and discusses practical applications.

Findings

Repulsive Casimir forces can exist in rectangular cavities under ideal conditions.

Real-world factors like conductivity, temperature, and surface roughness influence the force magnitude.

Potential application in reducing friction and wear in MEMS and NEMS devices.

Abstract

We perform a theoretical analysis of a setup intended to measure the repulsive (outward) Casimir forces predicted to exist inside of perfectly conducting rectangular cavities. We consider the roles of the conductivity of the real metals, of the temperature and surface roughness. The use of this repulsive force to reduce friction and wear in micro and nanoelectromechanical systems (MEMS and NEMS) is also considered.