Fundamental Physics

CASIMIR: Our group has developed a unique technique for the measurement of the Casimir effect between a sphere and a plate. Using this technique, we have addressed a few important open issues in the field. We are now moving to a new setup that will allow us to explore other geometrical configuations, such as cylinder-versus-plate and parallel plate. That setup should help us carry out experiments that will address the role of temperature in the Casimir effect between metals, and possibly to set new limits on the existence of extragravitational forces.

HYDRODYNAMICS IN CONFINED GEOMETRIES: The setup developed for Casimir force measurements also allows us to carry out high precision measurements of the hydrodynamic force between objects moving at micron and submicron separation and immersed in a gaseous atmosphere. These studies are relevant for both their fundamental aspect as well as for their potential application in micro and nanotechnology.