Temperature dependent graphene suspension due to thermal Casimir interaction

Abstract

Thermal effects contributing to the Casimir interaction between objects are usually small at room temperature, and they are difficult to separate from quantum mechanical contributions. We propose that the thermal Casimir force effect can be observed for a graphene flake suspended in a fluid between substrates at the room temperature regime. The properly chosen materials for the substrates and fluid induce a Casimir repulsion. The balance with the other forces, such as gravity and buoyancy, results in a stable temperature dependent equilibrium separation. The suspended graphene is a promising system due to its potential for observing thermal Casimir effects at room temperature. © 2012 American Institute of Physics.