Quantum Frictional Interactions

by Prof. Francesco Intravaia

Humboldt-Universitaet in Berlin

at Quantum optics seminar

Wed, 22 Dec 2021, 15:00
ZOOM only

Abstract

Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82614206544

Abstract:
In the constant race towards miniaturization, technology will soon be or is already confronted with phenomena which are a clear manifestation of the
“quantumness” of nature. Effects which are often negligible at the macroscopic scale becomes relevant if not crucial for microscopic systems.
One paradigmatic example of these phenomena are dispersion forces of which the most prominent representative is the van der Waals / Casimir-Polder interaction. In particular, the last ten years have witnessed an increasing number of investigations addressing non-conservative dispersion forces. Important examples are contactless frictional interactions between two bodies in relative motion. Similarly to the van der Waals / Casimir-Polder interaction, they are mediated by the fluctuations of the quantum electromagnetic field. The detailed theoretical description of these non-conservative interactions can be challenging but often reveal a great richness of interesting physical phenomena at work behind the scenes.
In this talk I will present some recent results in the study of quantum frictional interactions, illustrating their relevance for fundamental investigations
and their connections with other fields of research.

Created on 19-12-2021 by Folman, Ron (folman)
Updaded on 19-12-2021 by Folman, Ron (folman)