Scientific Area Artificial Quantum Systems

Topic title Casimir Forces in Superconducting Systems

Main host institution University of Basel
www.physik.unibas.ch
Supervisor/institution Christoph Bruder
www.quantumtheory-bruder.physik.unibas.ch
Co-Supervisor/institution Wolfgang Belzig, University of Konstanz
www.belzig.uni-konstanz.de
Mentor1/institution Stefan Y. Buhmann, University of Freiburg
www.sybuhmann.uni-freiburg.de
Secondment institution University of Freiburg
Topic description
Casimir forces are quantum forces between metallic or dielectric objects that can be attributed to
vacuum fluctuations of the electromagnetic field [1,2].
Recently, first steps towards measurements of Casimir forces between superconductors have been
described [3]. In this project, we would like to investigate the theory of Casimir forces in systems
containing superconducting parts. Possible research topics include the dependence of the Casimir
force on the type of superconductivity and the influence of disorder. We will also explore possible
device architectures in optomechanical systems. Finally, if time allows, we will study the possibility
of Casimir friction.

References:
[1] P.W. Milonni, The Quantum Vacuum (Academic Press, Boston, 1993).
[2] I.E. Dzyaloshinskii, E.M. Lifshitz, and L.P. Pitaevskii, Adv. Phys. 10, 165 (1961).
[3] R.A. Norte, M. Forsch, A. Wallucks, I. Marinković, and S. Gröblacher, Platform for
Measurements of the Casimir Force between Two Superconductors, Phys. Rev. Lett. 121, 030405
(2018).

Recommended applicant’s profile

MSc. (and preferably a publication) in theoretical physics. I am looking for bright, motivated, and
enthusiastic candidates interested to do theoretical research in areas of modern quantum physics
like quantum coherence, opto- and nanomechanics, ultracold atoms, and superconductivity.

1
Mentor: The primary role of the mentors will be to identify and facilitate specific training objectives, advise on any problems
faced by the ESR, including career matters with an external perspective and provide mediation in the case of disputes.

The QUSTEC programme has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation
programme under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie grant agreement number 847471.