Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 12, 2026

Preparation and Friction Force Microscopy Measurements of Immiscible, Opposing Polymer Brushes
Published on: December 24, 2014
Friction forces on atoms after acceleration
Francesco Intravaia1, Vanik E Mkrtchian, Stefan Yoshi Buhmann
1Max-Born-Institute, Max-Born-Straße 2a, 12489 Berlin, Germany.
Abstract:
The aim of this paper is to revisit the calculation of atom-surface quantum friction in the quantum field theory formulation put forward by Barton (2010 New J. Phys. 12 113045). We show that the power dissipated into field excitations and the associated friction force depend on how the atom is boosted from being initially at rest to a configuration in which it is moving at constant velocity (v) parallel to the planar interface. In addition, we point out that there is a subtle cancellation between the one-photon and part of the two-photon dissipating power, resulting in a leading order contribution to the frictional power which goes as v(4). These results are also confirmed by an alternative calculation of the average radiation force, which scales as v(3).
Related Concept Videos
Frictional Force
Static and Kinetic Frictional Force
However, if two systems are in contact and are stationary relative to one...
Second Law: Motion under Same Force
Let's imagine a person is...
Kinetic Friction
Non-conservative Forces
Also unlike their conservative counterparts, they are path-dependent; where the object starts and stops does matter. For example, a grinding wheel applies a...
Dry Friction
To illustrate this concept, imagine a wooden crate resting on a rough, non-uniform horizontal surface. When an external force is applied to...

