In the 1960s, physicists developed a mathematical formula that, in principle, describes the effects of Casimirforces on any number of tiny objects, with any shape.
One of the researchers’ most recent discoveries using the new tool was a way to arrange tiny objects so that the ordinarily attractive Casimirforces become repulsive.
Engineers are now beginning to understand how Casimirforces depend on a device's design-an essential starting point if Casimir-related stiction is to be eliminated.