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

该研究项目的重点是使用高灵敏度扭转天平精确测量量子真空诱导的相互作用，称为卡西米尔力。重点将放在精确的表面电效应的量化，从而提高实验灵敏度，以区分一个特定的模型在卡西米尔力的理论计算。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，正如在量子计算中捕获和操纵单原子以及精确引力实验中所注意到的那样，如激光干涉仪空间天线（丽莎）和激光干涉仪引力波天文台（LIGO）。作为一种历史上重要的科学工具，帮助验证了自然界中的两种基本力（即引力和库仑力），扭转天平提供了一个很好的桌面研究平台，可以在一个主要的本科院校研究量子真空诱导的小力。该项目的本质是将本科教育与前沿研究相结合。该研究计划将为本科生提供校内研究机会，加强西雅图大学在精密力测量领域的现有研究计划。学生将通过参与前沿研究项目，接受研究方法的培训，以定义和解决开放式问题，职业道德和行为，以及科学报告和沟通。该研究计划将为不同背景的学生扩大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计划奠定基础。

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.