U.S. Scientists Learn How to Levitate Tiny Objects

Molecule-sized frictionless bearings, eh? Wonder what that will change in the field of lubrication technology?

The article doesn't specify, but this repulsive quantum mechanical force must be the Casimir force?

Yes, 'way down towards the end they say it is a reversal of the Casimir force by selective use of materials.

Ah yes, I see the mention of the Casimir force now. I read the article too fast the first time (or maybe hadn't had enough caffeine yet).

I've heard the Casimir force mentioned many times over the years, both as a legitimate academic subject, and as a buzzword for over-unity proponents claiming it as the trick by which the zero-point energy might be tapped (see Harold Puthoff). AFAIK, no one has had any luck with the O-U angle, but it's nice to finally see a real application of this unique form of quantum weirdness.

Casimir was mainly a theoritician, but I imagine that he would be very pleased to see his prediction so nicely confirmed and put to practical use.

Now if we can just nano scale up full size bearings from it. Over unity be damned we can always approach unity. It is just very unlikely we shall meet her

Brad