2008-06-04

Incredible Levitation Effects

According to calculations done by physicists of the University of St Andrews the normally attractive Casimir force between two surfaces can be made repulsive. The repulsive force may even be strong enough to levitate a tiny mirror. In theory the discovery could be used to levitate bigger objects too.
University crest

Scientist float levitation theory

St Andrews scientists have discovered a new way of levitating tiny objects - paving the way for future applications in nanotechnology.

Theoretical physicists at the University of St Andrews have created `incredible levitation effects' by engineering the force of nature which normally causes objects to stick together by quantum force. By reversing this phenomenon, known as `Casimir force', the scientists hope to solve the problem of tiny objects sticking together in existing novel nanomachines.

clipped from www.telegraph.co.uk
Telegraph.co.uk

Physicists have 'solved' mystery of levitation

Beijing saleswoman demonstrates toy which levitates by magnetic force; Physicists have 'solved' mystery of levitation
In theory the discovery could be used to levitate a person
clipped from en.wikipedia.org
Casimir effect

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Casimir forces on parallel plates.


Casimir forces on parallel plates.

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News and Events | University of St Andrews
Casimir effect - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Physicists have 'solved' mystery of levitation - Telegraph
Perfect lens could reverse Casimir force - physicsworld.com
Quantum levitation by left-handed metamaterials
[quant-ph/0608115] Quantum levitation by left-handed metamaterials