Dispersion forces beyond the quantum vacuum: From quantum precision to quantum control in nanotechnology

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Stefan Yoshi Buhmann
• Subject Area: Optics, Quantum Optics and Physics of Atoms, Molecules and Plasmas
• Term: from 2013 to 2021
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 239028562

The original project was aimed towards developing a comprehensive theory of dispersion forces on the basis of macroscopic quantum electrodynamics. Important aspects to be included were microscopic precision, complex geometries and materials, continuous media, non-trivial atomic and field states and moving bodies. The findings of this project together with recent successes in the field of topological materials have led to a focus on dispersion forces which do not act in the normal direction with respect to the surface of the interacting objects.To account for these developments, this continuation project is aimed at developing a theory of non-normal dispersion forces. These includeA. Lateral dispersion forces and dispersion torques andB. Dissipative dispersion forces such as quantum friction and quantum frictional torques.The continuation project is intimately related to the original project by building on its results with respect to complex materials, non-trivial atomic states and moving objects. It holds the promise to enable an experimental detection of quantum friction and Casimir torques for the first time and opens the perspective of new optomechanical actuation schemes.

• DFG Programme: Independent Junior Research Groups
• International Connection: Canada, France
• Cooperation Partners: Dr. Athanasios Laliotis; Professor Dr. Valery Milner