The following article is Open access

Quantum levitation by left-handed metamaterials

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Published 10 August 2007 Published under licence by IOP Publishing Ltd
, , Citation Ulf Leonhardt and Thomas G Philbin 2007 New J. Phys. 9 254 DOI 10.1088/1367-2630/9/8/254

1367-2630/9/8/254

Abstract

Left-handed metamaterials make perfect lenses that image classical electromagnetic fields with significantly higher resolution than the diffraction limit. Here, we consider the quantum physics of such devices. We show that the Casimir force of two conducting plates may turn from attraction to repulsion if a perfect lens is sandwiched between them. For optical left-handed metamaterials, this repulsive force of the quantum vacuum may levitate ultra-thin mirrors.

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