Making mirrors parallel in a vacuum using charge

In summary, the mirrors will be pushed apart if voltage is applied, but it is difficult to make fine adjustments.
  • #1
BernieM
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Two identical front surface mirrors are hung in a vacuum chamber with a high vacuum with a bit of bias of their mass wanting to lean into each other so they don't separate on their own. The metal surface is connected to a variable high voltage source. Both mirrors are connected to the same source. When voltage is applied will the two mirrors be pushed apart and remain relatively parallel to each other (reasonably close enough that casimir force can be observed?) And what possible 'fine adjustment' of their distance might reasonably be expected? (Would their separation distance be fine enough that one could separate them by say 1nm/volt, for example, or would it be difficult to make fine adjustments on the nm scales.)
 
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  • #2
That seems a rather elaborate setup, of first setting up a contracting force (the angle of the mirrors), then creating a way to overcome that force (through charge), only to then try to measure an entirely different force.

But presuming your setup now, I think one major difficulty will be, how do you separate the forces related to your setup, from the Casimir force? In the end you will need to be able to say "I can entirely account for all remaining forces, this remaining force must be the Casimir force". However, given how the separation of the mirrors will already be a function of the voltage applied, and not necessarily an easy function, it will be hard to have any confidence.
 
  • #4
Thanks for the responses. Actually my concern isn't to measure the casimir force but to use the apparatus in creation of a particular wavelength of photons. The problem with casimir devices is the parallelity of the mirrors for it to work properly. Thanks Tom for the link to the electroscope, I had totally overlooked it.
 
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Likes Tom.G

1. How can charge be used to make mirrors parallel in a vacuum?

Charge can be used to make mirrors parallel in a vacuum through the use of electrostatic forces. By placing a positive and negative charge on two mirrors, they will be attracted to each other, causing them to align and become parallel.

2. Why is a vacuum necessary for this process?

A vacuum is necessary for this process because it eliminates any external forces, such as air resistance, that could affect the movement of the mirrors. This allows for more precise alignment and control over the electrostatic forces.

3. What type of charge should be used for this method?

Both positive and negative charge can be used to make mirrors parallel in a vacuum. However, it is important to ensure that the charges are of equal magnitude to achieve a balanced electrostatic force.

4. Can this method be used for mirrors of any size?

Yes, this method can be used for mirrors of any size. However, the strength of the electrostatic force may need to be adjusted based on the size and weight of the mirrors being used.

5. Are there any potential drawbacks to using this method?

One potential drawback to using this method is that it requires precise control over the charges and their placement on the mirrors. Any slight imbalance or disturbance could affect the alignment of the mirrors. Additionally, this method may not be practical for larger or heavier mirrors due to the amount of charge needed to achieve parallel alignment.

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