Precision measurements of the material and boundary geometry dependence of the Casimir force.

The Casimir force results from the modification of the electromagnetic zero point energy which pervades all of space as predicted by quantum field theory. It depends on the conductivity, dielectric properties and shape of the metal boundaries. For example while the Casimir force is attractive between two flat metal plates it can be repulsive between two hemispheres. In order to measure such material and boundary dependences of the Casimir force, precision measurements of the force and the separation between the two surfaces is necessary. We will discuss experimental techniques to perform such precision measurements of the Casimir force. We will present some of our recent measurements to probe such material and shape dependences. © 2000 American Institute of Physics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]