Fluctuation-induced forces between inclusions in a fluid membrane under tension

Phys Rev Lett. 2011 Nov 25;107(22):228104. doi: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.107.228104. Epub 2011 Nov 23.

Abstract

We develop an exact method to calculate thermal Casimir forces between inclusions of arbitrary shapes and separation, embedded in a fluid membrane whose fluctuations are governed by the combined action of surface tension, bending modulus, and Gaussian rigidity. Each object's shape and mechanical properties enter only through a characteristic matrix, a static analog of the scattering matrix. We calculate the Casimir interaction between two elastic disks embedded in a membrane. In particular, we find that at short separations the interaction is strong and independent of surface tension.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Cell Membrane / chemistry*
  • Elasticity
  • Entropy
  • Membrane Fluidity*
  • Surface Tension
  • Temperature