Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 27, 2026
09:56
Direct Force Measurements of Subcellular Mechanics in Confinement using Optical Tweezers
Published on: August 31, 2021
New experimental limits on non-Newtonian forces in the micrometer range
A O Sushkov1, W J Kim, D A R Dalvit
1Department of Physics, Yale University, P.O. Box 208120, New Haven, Connecticut 06520-8120, USA. alex@harvard.physics.edu
Physical Review Letters
|November 24, 2011
Summary
We measured short-range forces between gold plates to constrain new physics. Our results set new limits on Yukawa-type forces predicted by extra-dimension theories.
Area of Science:
- Experimental Physics
- Particle Physics
- Gravitation
Background:
- Understanding short-range forces is crucial for testing fundamental physics.
- The Casimir effect is a well-established quantum electrodynamic force.
- New theories with extra spatial dimensions predict deviations from known forces at short ranges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To measure short-range forces between macroscopic objects.
- To constrain the parameters of hypothetical Yukawa-type forces.
- To search for evidence of new physics beyond the Standard Model.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a torsion pendulum to measure forces between gold-coated plates.
- Performed measurements at separations ranging from 0.7 to 7 micrometers.
- Analyzed force data considering Casimir and electrostatic contributions.
Main Results:
- Force measurements are consistent with the Casimir effect and surface patch potentials.
- Established new best bounds for Yukawa-type forces in the 0.4-4 micrometer range.
- Derived a lower limit for the (4+n)-dimensional Planck scale (M*) exceeding 70 TeV for specific force mediators.
Conclusions:
- Experimental constraints on new short-range forces were significantly improved.
- The study provides stringent limits on theories with extra spatial dimensions.
- No evidence for new forces was found within the tested parameter space, but bounds were strengthened.
