CasimirSim – A Tool to Compute Casimir Polder Forces for Nontrivial 3D Geometries

René Sedmik, and Martin Tajmar
ARC Seibersdorf research Gmbh (Austria)

Abstract: The Casimir effect is one of the most interesting macro-quantum effects. Being negligible on the macro-scale it becomes a governing factor below structure sizes of 1 micrometer where it accounts for typically 100 kN m-2. The force does not depend on gravity, or electric charge but solely on the materials properties, and geometrical shape. This makes the effect a strong candidate for micro(nano)-mechanical devices M(N)EMS. Despite a long history of research the theory lacks a uniform description valid for arbitrary geometries which retards technical application. We present an advanced state-of-the-art numerical tool overcoming all the usual geometrical restrictions, capable of calculating arbitrary 3D geometries by utilizing the Casimir Polder approximation for the Casimir force.

About CasimirSim: Nanotechnology is enabling tremendous breakthroughs in 21st century science. However, when scaling things down from our everyday macroscopic world to below one micrometer, the nature of physics changes dramatically. Quantum mechanical effects start to invalidate macroscopic models and govern the behavior of processes at the nano scale.

CasimirSim is designed as a software tool for scientists and engineers, therefore providing a wide variety of options for calculations. It shall open the doors for the analysis of expected Casimir forces in complex systems at design time, and help to approach new frontiers in nano-technology. (Please email Martin or Rene above for software pricing information)