B.S. University of Washington (1967)
A.M. Harvard University (1968)
Ph.D. Harvard University (1971)
For the last two decades, my work has concentrated on phenomena described under the heading of Casimir physics. This includes understanding when Casimir forces, due to zero-point fluctuations, can turn negative or repulsive, and under what conditions Casimir entropy can turn negative. Surprisingly, even a dielectric ball can have negative self-entropy! Applications to real materials are being suggested, such as quantum stabilization of ice layers.
Recently, the attention of my group has focused on Casimir or quantum friction, in which a polarizable particle moving either through empty space, or near, but not in contact, with a material surface, can experience a quantum frictional force. Conversely, a nonuniform body, with, perhaps, exotic properties, may experience a spontaneous torque or force even in vacuum, if it is not in thermal equilibrium with its environment.
This work is being carried out with a diverse group of researchers from around the world. We meet for research sessions on Zoom typically three times a week. Funding has been continuously supplied by grants from the US National Science Foundation.
