Computation and visualization of Casimir forces in arbitrary geometries: non-monotonic lateral forces and failure of proximity-force approximations

Abstract

We present a method of computing Casimir forces for arbitrary geometries, with any desired accuracy, that can directly exploit the efficiency of standard numerical-electromagnetism techniques. Using the simplest possible finite-difference implementation of this approach, we obtain both agreement with past results for cylinder-plate geometries, and also present results for new geometries. In particular, we examine a piston-like problem involving two dielectric and metallic squares sliding between two metallic walls, in two and three dimensions, respectively, and demonstrate non-additive and non-monotonic changes in the force due to these lateral walls.

Accepted for publication in Physical Review Letters. (Expected publication: Vol. 99 (8) 2007)

References in corpus (6)

• The Casimir effect for a sphere and a cylinder in front of plane and corrections to the proximity force theorem
• Casimir force on a piston
• Lateral Casimir force beyond the Proximity Force Approximation
• Casimir edge effects
• Casimir interaction of two plates inside a cylinder
• Casimir forces and non-Newtonian gravitation

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