New asymptotic behavior of the surface-atom force out of thermal equilibrium

Year: 2005

Authors: Antezza M., Pitaevskii L.P., Stringari S.

Autors Affiliation: Univ Trent, Dipartimento Fis, I-38050 Trento, Italy, CNR, INFM, BEC Ctr, I-38050 Trento, Italy; PL Kapitsa Phys Problems Inst, Moscow 119334, Russia; Ecole Normale Super, F-75231 Paris, France, Coll France, Lab Kastler Brossel, F-75231 Paris, France

Abstract: The Casimir-Polder-Lifshitz force felt by an atom near the surface of a substrate is calculated out of thermal equilibrium in terms of the dielectric function of the material and of the atomic polarizability. The new force decays like 1/z(3) at large distances (i.e., slower than at equilibrium), exhibits a sizable temperature dependence, and is attractive or repulsive depending on whether the temperature of the substrate is higher or smaller than the one of the environment. Our predictions can be relevant for experiments with ultracold atomic gases. Both dielectric and metal substrates are considered.

Journal/Review: PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS

Volume: 95 (11)      Pages from: 113202-1  to: 113202-4

More Information: doi: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.95.113202
KeyWords: Casimir force; ultracold atoms;
DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.95.113202

Citations: 144
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