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An electron scanning microscope image of the University of Florida's Casimir force testing metal fin plate. Bizarre geometry may help prevent the quantum force from interfering with the ever-shrinking world of electronics.  (Source: Yiliang Bao and Jie Zoue/University of Florida)
"Gotta keep 'em separated."

Quantum physics isn't a very disciplined place. Bizarre things tend to happen as scientists peer deeply into the smaller and smaller worlds afforded by advancing technology. One such weak quantum force, known as the Casimir force, named for the origin of its predicted effect, Hendrik Casimir, is currently under scrutiny by University of Florida researchers.

When two objects are placed extremely close together, they will be attracted to each other by this only recently proven to exist quantum force. Instead of the objects' masses pulling them together, Casimir force works as an external force, almost like hydrodynamic pressure.

In this case, the empty space between the two objects isn't actually empty. All space is filled with electromagnetic fields and the virtual particles associated with them. These particles, in quantum physics, also exist as waves, and here's where things start to make sense. Around the objects, these particle/waves can be of any varying wavelength, but only a smaller number of shorter wavelength particles can fit between them. This creates a sort of low versus high pressure system where the force of the “heavier” longer wavelength particles acts to push the masses together.

UF's research into this interesting force may, in the future, help the ever growing miniaturization of electronic components. As MEMS (microelectricalmechanical) devices get smaller and stacked closer together, the likelihood of the Casimir force becoming a problem gets larger. “Stiction” is already a problem in super-fine structure assembly, and though it can be caused by a number of variables, the Casimir force can easily contribute to it.

In a paper published in Physical Review Letters, lead-author Ho Bun Chan explains, “We are not talking about an immediate application, we are talking about, if the devices continue to be smaller and smaller, as the trend of miniaturization occurs, then the quantum effects could come into play.”

With integrated circuits and other electronic parts rapidly losing size but gaining parts and complexity, these effects could easily occur in the next decade.

To study how Casimir force can be affected by structure, the UF team created a metal panel resembling a fin radiator, with fin structures of approximately 200nm separated by the same distance. This effectively cut the gapped surface area in half compared to two flat plates that were used as a control. They found that, though having more area between the plates for longer wavelength particles to occupy and half the accessible surface area, the comb-like structure only reduced Casimir force by 30 to 40 percent.

While the experiment didn't show the expected 50 percent reduction, it helped prove that, instead, the strength of the Casimir force depends on the geometry of the objects in question. This may be useful in the future for MEMS and other nanomachinery engineers as they need to design nanoscopic parts that would not work well if they were heavily affected by the mysterious quantum particles.

Comments     Threshold


Dark Space
By Spectator on 7/20/2008 11:26:22 AM , Rating: 2
You guys are forgetting Dark Space.
Some of us sik folk. Believe that dark space is the power source that sustains everything.

And that as atoms take a +/- charge from this darkspace to survive. the resulting imbalance in this space. attracts atoms requiring the opposite charge that is now more prevelant in that area of the dark space.

You know it makes sence. lol; Urgo Gravity is just a side affect and is equally proportional to the amount of darkspace consumed to sustain the object.



RE: Dark Space
By Spectator on 7/20/2008 11:46:10 AM , Rating: 2
As An example :)

Consider darkspace as a fluid that can only move at speed of light.

Then Lead as the most thirsty mofo we know of. then throw some atoms around at near to the speed of light (Dam im thirsty says the atom). and see if they make it through a chunk of the desert we call lead.


RE: Dark Space
By SilthDraeth on 7/23/2008 4:09:18 PM , Rating: 2
Say what?

