Measurement of the Casimir-Polder Force Through Center of Mass Oscillations of a Bose Einstein Condensate

Published

September 1, 2005

Author(s)

D M. Harber, J Obrecht, J M. McGuirk, Eric A. Cornell

Abstract

We have performed a measurement of the Casimir Polder force using a magnetically trapped ^u87Rb Bose Einstein condensate. By detecting perturbations of the frequency of center of mass oscillation of the condensate perpendicular to the surface, we are able to detect this force at a distance proportional to 5 m, significantly further than has been previously achieved, and at a precision approaching that needed to detect the modification due to thermal radiation. Additionally, this technique provides a limit for the precense of exotic forces in the proportional to 1 m range.

Citation

Physical Review A (Atomic, Molecular and Optical Physics)

Volume

72

Pub Type

Journals

Keywords

atom surface interactions, Bose Einstein condensates

Citation

Harber, D. , Obrecht, J. , McGuirk, J. and Cornell, E. (2005), Measurement of the Casimir-Polder Force Through Center of Mass Oscillations of a Bose Einstein Condensate, Physical Review A (Atomic, Molecular and Optical Physics) (Accessed October 24, 2025)