MTO is developing new methods to control and manipulate attractive and repulsive forces at surfaces based on engineering of the Casimir force, with the specific goals of unambiguous detection of, demonstrated ability to neutralize, and real-time capacity to manipulate the Casimir force.
The Casimir Effect Enhancement (CEE) program seeks to manipulate forces very near surfaces to enable control of small-scale phenomena, including nanodevice adhesion and friction. The objectives of this single-phase DARPA program are to demonstrate unambiguous detection, neutralization, and dynamic manipulation of the Casimir force to modulate between normal and neutralized states. Some approaches to these program goals include the development of new materials, engineered nanostructures, or active elements. Recent research activities (models and experiments) have already identified manipulation of the Casimir force as an important challenge.