Events Calendar
Casimir Forces and Torques on Nanostructures
Thursday November 1, 2018
| 3:30 pm
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Presenter: | Alejandro Manjavacas |
|---|---|---|
| Series: | Special Talk | |
| Abstract: |
Fluctuation-induced forces exist between polarizable atoms, nonpolar
molecules, and structured materials, emerging as a result of the vacuum and thermal fluctuations of the electromagnetic field. Specifically known as van der Waals or London dispersion forces at short-range distances, Casimir-Polder forces when taking retardation into account, and Casimir-Lifshitz forces when including material dispersion, these are generally referred to as Casimir forces. There is strong evidence that various phenomena in nature such as adhesion and stiction are a result of these forces, and therefore, their study is very relevant to understand the mechanical behavior of nanodevices, for which these forces can play a dominant role. Furthermore, vacuum and thermal fluctuations also produce friction on moving nanostructures; for instance, it has been predicted that a nanoparticle rotating in vacuum experiences a Casimir torque that slows its angular velocity and eventually stops it. In this talk we will provide a tutorial approach to understand Casimir interactions between nanostructures and discuss how these interactions condition the dynamics of nanoscale objects. |
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| Host: | Francisco Becerra Chavez | |
| Location: | PAIS-2540, PAIS | |
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