Casimir Effect - min. distance between plates

Dmitry67

Casimir force increases when you put 2 plates closer and closer...
But where is a limit?
Obviously, Casimir calculations will not be valid when distance becomes less then a size of one atom.
But I suspect that all these calculations break apart much earlier.
Your thoughts?

spidey

Why you say "Casimir calculations will not be valid when distance becomes less then a size of one atom". Do you mean there wont be Casimir effect less than size of one atom.

Since casimir effect is based on virtual photons between the plates. I think there will no effect when the distance is <= wavelength of virtual photon.

Dmitry67

But can we talk about the 'plates' in that case?

spidey

I dont understand what you mean.can you elaborate?

Dmitry67

Well, on the atomic level edges of each plate is not 'smooth'
So it is difficult to say about the distance
Where a plate 'begins'?