Dynamic measurement and modeling of the Casimir force at the nanometer scale

We present a dynamic method for measurement of the Casimir force with an atomic force microscope (AFM) with a conventional AFM tip. With this method, originally based on the phase of vibration of the AFM tip, we are able to verify the Casimir force at distances of nearly 6 nm with an AFM tip that has a radius of curvature of nearly 100 nm. Until now dynamic methods have been done using large metal spheres at greater distances. Also presented is a theoretical model based on the harmonic oscillator, including nonidealities. This model accurately predicts the experimental data.