Potential Fundamental Physics PhD Projects

Supervisor: Prof. C.C.Speake

Measurement of Casimir and van der Waals' forces between solids

We are working on new methods for measuring van der Waals and Casimir forces between materials. This work is supported by an EPSRC New Horizons grant.

Both the van der Waals and Casimir forces are manifestations of the underlying quantum vacuum, where virtual photons give rise to coherence in the dipole oscillations of molecules. A new modification of the classical torsion balance allows these forces to be measured at ranges of less than 1 um, we intend to apply the new device to study these forces in metamaterials, for example, which are becoming important in optical and nanomechanical devices. The apparatus can also be used to test the inverse square law of gravitation at short ranges given a dedicated design for sample materials.

The PhD will give a successful applicant experience in experimental techniques, data analysis and an understanding of these fundamental forces.

For more information please contact Prof. Clive Speake (c.c.speake[at]bham.ac.uk) and see the webpage of the Birmingham Gravitational Group