The Casimir effect and its role in nanotechnology applications

Abstract

In this Keynote talk, we begin by discussing the disparate historical threads leading to our modern understanding of dispersion forces from ancient observations to unretarded van der Waals forces and finally proceeding to the fully retarded regime, properly referred to as that of Casimir forces. We then consider the evolution of experimental attempts to accurately characterize such interactions in order to achieve meaningful comparisons with theoretical predictions from quantum electrodynamics (QED). Finally, we analyze the momentous discovery that dispersion forces in semiconductors can be time-modulated by acting on suitable environmental variables such as illumination. This leads us to consideration of dispersion force-driven nanoscale engine cycles and breakthrough applications now being explored in sensing, actuation, space propulsion, and energy storage.