Casimir Effect and Interaction between Surface Plasmons
In this thesis we discuss the influence of surface plasmons on the Casimir effect between two plane parallel metallic mirrors at arbitrary distances. Using the plasma model to describe the optical response of the metal, we express the Casimir energy as a sum of contributions associated with evanescent surface plasmon modes and propagative cavity modes. In contrast to expectations, the plasmonic mode contribution is essential at all distances in order to ensure the correct result for the Casimir energy. One of the two plasmonic modes gives rise to a repulsive contribution, balancing the attractive contributions from propagating cavity modes, while both contributions taken separately are much larger than the actual value of the Casimir energy. This also suggests possibilities to tailor the sign of the Casimir force via surface plasmons.
Abstract The feasibility of using a silicone rubber membrane to separate mixtures of isopropyl alcohol and water, including the azeotropic composition, has been demonstrated and a quantitative measure of efficiency of separation has been developed. One of the problem areas in studying liquid permeation is the variability in the polymer membrane structure. Such factors as the presence of solvents and plasticizers, previous thermal history, previous solvent history, and the degree of crystallinity of the polymer behavior affect membrane behavior. However, as the polymers are better understood, these drawbacks for the researcher may be of advantage to those tailoring a polymer to a specific use.