Potsdam University Potsdam Quantum Optics Group

Universität Potsdam
Institut für Physik
Karl-Liebknecht-Str. 24/25
14476 Potsdam-Golm
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 Publications
 2008
   novotny08
 
L. Novotny and C. Henkel
Van der Waals versus optical interaction between metal nanoparticles
Opt. Lett. 33 (2008) 1029-31, selected in Virtual Journal for Biomedical Optics.

Abstract

    We derive closed expressions for the Casimir-Polder potential between metal nanoparticles as well as for the light-induced interaction owing to the gradient force. Within the validity of the dipole approximation, the maximum interaction energy turns out to be proportional to the plasma frequency, and it is comparable to the thermal energy at T=300K. On the other hand, the light-induced interaction depends linearly on the light intensity and only for strongly focused laser beams (10-100 mW/um^2) does it becomes comparable in strength to the Casimir-Polder interaction.

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file generated: 25 Apr 2011


   
   
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