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arXiv · 1006.4065

Switching Casimir forces with Phase Change Materials

G. Torricelli·P. J. van Zwol·O. Shpak·C. Binns·G. Palasantzas·B. J. Kooi V. B. Svetovoy·M. Wuttig
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Abstract

We demonstrate here a controllable variation in the Casimir force. Changes in the force of up to 20% at separations of ~100 nm between Au and AgInSbTe (AIST) surfaces were achieved upon crystallization of an amorphous sample of AIST. This material is well known for its structural transformation, which produces a significant change in the optical properties and is exploited in optical data storage systems. The finding paves the way to the control of forces in nanosystems, such as micro- or nanoswitches by stimulating the phase change transition via localized heat sources.

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G. Torricelli, P. J. van Zwol, O. Shpak, C. Binns, G. Palasantzas, B. J. Kooi V. B. Svetovoy, M. Wuttig. 2010-06-22. Switching Casimir forces with Phase Change Materials. https://doi.org/10.1103/physreva.82.010101

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