Casimir effect. One of the most mysterious interactions known in physics
Interested in quantum physics? Learn more about Casimir effect from the POLONEZ BIS project: Applied Casimir Theory: from Mesons to Environmental Effects
Dr Mathias Boström conducts his research at the Ensemble3 Center of Excellence in Poland, with the strong support of University of Warsaw’s Centre of New Technologies. His main area of interest are semi-classical electrodynamics and the Casimir effect. The simplest way to describe this phenomenon is that when you place two electrically uncharged metal plates next to each other with a vacuum between them, they will be drawn to each other. This is unexpected – we usually assume that with nothing between the plates, there should be no force. However, when we analyze the situation using quantum electrodynamics, it turns out that virtual particles are created in a vacuum and interact with uncharged metal plates. As a result, if the plates are very close to each other (less than a micron), this interaction becomes the dominant force. The strength of the force decreases rapidly with increasing distance.
Source: Wikipedia commons
The principal challenge addressed in the ACT:MEE project is to develop theories for the Casimir effect in plasma and magnetic media, along with their varied applications. A key part of the project is to create a new semiclassical theory that focuses on the lifespan of electron-positron plasmons and electron (positron) bonds with plasmons.
Essentially, in his research dr Boström is looking at the idea which dates back to the time before quantum mechanics, i.e. that optics and forces/energies are linked. He uses optical properties of solids and liquids of various materials to study forces between surfaces. This could help to predict how ice grows on a tiny cellulose particle in mist, for example on a cold morning or to calculatethe amount of nucleated ice and similarly, condensed water, which also affects the way light passes through mist. The present research is more fundamental in nature and is expected to directly lead to the formulation of a semiclassical theory for mesons and nuclear forces. This includes exploring anisotropy, meson theory, and excited state interactions.
For more information we recommend reading one of the articles co-authored by the Principal Investigator of described project, which appeared this year in “Physics” journal (Semi-classical electrodynamics and the Casimir effect, https://doi.org/10.3390/physics6010030) and visiting web page of the project: https://www.oimalyi.org/funding-polonez-bis.
Principal Investigator: dr Mathias Anders Boström
Project Title: Applied Casimir Theory: from Mesons to Environmental Effects
Project’s website: www.ensemble3.eu/applied-casimir-theory—polonez-bis-3
