Measurement of the Casimir-Polder force

  • C. I. Sukenik*
  • , M. G. Boshier
  • , D. Cho
  • , V. Sandoghdar
  • , E. A. Hinds
  • *Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

We have studied the deflection of ground-state sodium atoms passing through a micron-sized parallel-plate cavity by measuring the intensity of a sodium atomic beam transmitted through the cavity as a function of cavity plate separation. This experiment provides clear evidence for the existence of the Casimir-Polder force, which is due to modification of the ground-state Lamb shift in the confined space of a cavity. Our results confirm the magnitude of the force and the distance dependence predicted by quantum electrodynamics.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)560-563
Number of pages4
JournalPhysical review letters
Volume70
Issue number5
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1993
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Physics and Astronomy

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Measurement of the Casimir-Polder force'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this