Illustration of the platform (IMAGE)
Caption
The Chalmers researchers’ new platform makes it possible to measure and study the forces that are usually referred to as nature’s invisible glue – what binds objects together at the smallest scales. When light is captured between two gold flakes, the researchers can study the delicate balance between two forces – one pulling the tiny objects towards each other and the other holding them apart. The joining force, the Casimir effect, makes the gold flakes connect to each other. The second, electrostatic force, arise in the salt solution and prevents the flakes from sticking together completely. When those two forces balance each other, this is known as a self-assembly process, and the result is the cavity that opens up new research possibilities.
Credit
Illustration: Chalmers University of Technoogy | Michaela Hošková
Usage Restrictions
Images provided in Chalmers University of Technology press releases are, unless specified otherwise, free for download and publication as long as credit is given to the University and the individual creator. Cropping and rescaling of the images is permitted when required for adaptation to the publication’s format, but modifications that would influence the message and content of the original are not. The material is primarily intended for journalistic and informative use, to assist in communication and coverage of Chalmers’ research and education. Commercial usage, for example the marketing of goods and services, is not permitted. We kindly request credit to be given in the following format where possible: Image/Graphic/Illustration: Chalmers University of Technology | Name Surname
License
Original content