RUI: Precision Casimir Force Measurements Using a High-Sensitivity Torsion Balance

RUI：使用高灵敏度扭力天平进行精密卡西米尔力测量

• 批准号: 1307150
• 负责人: Woo-Joong Kim
• 金额: $ 9万
• 依托单位: Seattle University
• 依托单位国家: 美国
• 项目类别: Standard Grant
• 财政年份: 2013
• 资助国家: 美国
• 起止时间: 2013-08-01 至 2016-07-31
• 项目状态: 已结题
• 来源: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=1307150&HistoricalAwards=false
• 关键词: RUI; Precision; Casimir; Force; Measurements

The research program focuses on precision measurements of quantum-vacuum induced interactions known as the Casimir force using a high-sensitivity torsion balance. Significant emphasis will be placed on accurate quantifications of surface electric effects, thus improving experimental sensitivity to distinguish a specific model to be employed in theoretical calculation of the Casimir force. The research will address a key problem in modern precision measurements in which the presence of surface-induced interactions at metallic interfaces has become one of the biggest sources of systematic errors, as noticed in the trapping and manipulation of single-atom for quantum computing, and in precise gravitational experiments such as the Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA) and Laser Interferometer Gravitational Wave Observatory (LIGO). As a historically important scientific tool that has helped verify two of the fundamental forces in nature (i.e. gravitational and Coulomb forces), the torsion balance provides an excellent table-top research platform to investigate the quantum vacuum induced small forces at a predominantly undergraduate institution. Intrinsic to the project is the integration of the undergraduate education with cutting-edge research. The research program will provide on-campus research opportunities for undergraduate students, enhancing an existing research program in the area of precision force measurements at Seattle University. The students will receive training in research methods for defining and addressing open-ended problems, professional ethics and conduct, and scientific reporting and communications by engaging in leading-edge research projects. The research program will expand faculty-led research opportunities for students of diverse backgrounds and is designed to lay the foundation for a long-term integrated scientific and education program in the physics department at Seattle University.

该研究项目的重点是使用高灵敏度扭天平精确测量量子真空引起的相互作用（称为卡西米尔力）。重点将放在表面电效应的精确量化上，从而提高实验灵敏度，以区分卡西米尔力理论计算中使用的特定模型。该研究将解决现代精密测量中的一个关键问题，其中金属界面处表面诱导相互作用的存在已成为系统误差的最大来源之一，正如在量子计算中单原子的捕获和操纵中所注意到的那样，以及激光干涉仪空间天线（LISA）和激光干涉仪引力波天文台（LIGO）等精密引力实验。作为一种历史上重要的科学工具，有助于验证自然界中的两种基本力（即万有引力和库仑力），扭力天平提供了一个出色的桌面研究平台，可以在以本科为主的机构中研究量子真空引起的小力。该项目的本质是将本科教育与前沿研究相结合。该研究项目将为本科生提供校内研究机会，增强西雅图大学在精密力测量领域的现有研究项目。学生将通过参与前沿研究项目接受定义和解决开放式问题的研究方法、职业道德和行为以及科学报告和交流方面的培训。该研究项目将为不同背景的学生扩大由教师主导的研究机会，旨在为西雅图大学物理系的长期综合科学和教育项目奠定基础。