Force Metrology with Plane Parallel Plates: Final Design Review and Outlook

Abstract

During the past few decades, abundant evidence for physics beyond the two standard models of particle physics and cosmology was found. Yet, we are tapping in the dark regarding our understanding of the dark sector. For more than a century, open problems related to the nature of the vacuum remained unresolved. As well as the traditional high-energy frontier and cosmology, technological advancement provides complementary access to new physics via high-precision experiments. Among the latter, the Casimir And Non-Newtonian force EXperiment (Cannex) has successfully completed its proof-of-principle phase and is going to commence operation soon. Benefiting from its plane parallel plate geometry, both interfacial and gravity-like forces are maximized, leading to increased sensitivity. A wide range of dark sector forces, Casimir forces in and out of thermal equilibrium, and gravity can be tested. This paper describes the final experimental design, its sensitivity, and expected results.

Keywords

• Casimir effect
• dark sector
• force metrology
• seismic isolation