Objective
The Casimir force is the attraction between optical boundaries arising from the quantum zero-point energy of the vacuum and since its prediction in 1948 has remained the simplest way of detecting experimentally the energy density of empty space. It only becomes measurable in the sub-micron range and, for flat boundaries, increases with the inverse fourth power of their separation. This project proposes to discover ways to use the Casimir effect to provide a contactless transmission of force in nanoscale machines. The consortium from three countries (UK, France and Sweden) will combine nanolithography, cryogenic STM and modelling by quantum field theory to study the Casimir force in flexibly shaped optical cavities. The measurements will be pushed to hi gher precision than before in conditions of ultra-high vacuum and low temperature and to smaller separations down to tens of nanometres. The aim is to understand the effect of the geometry and the optical properties of the cavity material on the force so that it can be optimised to produce the maximum 'lateral' Casimir force that will enable a modulated boundary to drag another through empty space without physical contact. The suitability of the lateral force as a transmission mechanism will be investig ated and the final goal is to demonstrate contactless transmission in a simple nano-machine. The project will also provide data that will impose limits on parameters in current theories of new forces involving exotic quanta.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
- natural sciences physical sciences quantum physics quantum field theory
- natural sciences mathematics pure mathematics geometry
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Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
FP6-2003-NEST-B-1
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Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Data not available
Coordinator
LEICESTER
United Kingdom
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.