Gold flakes in a salt solution (IMAGE)
Caption
When light is captured between micrometre-sized gold flakes in a salt solution, it is possible to 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, arises 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
Chalmers University of Technology | Mia Halleröd Palmgren
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