Quantum Vacuum Energy Extraction

5/10/2018 Quantum Vacuum Energy Extraction

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Haisch et al.(10) Pub. No.: US 2007/0241470 Al(43) Pub. Date: Oct. 18,2007

(54) QUANTUM VACUUM ENERGYEXTRACTION

(76) Inventors: Bernard Baisch, Redwood City, CA(US); Garret Moddel, Boulder, CO(US)

Correspondence Address:PRITZKAU PATENT GROUP, LLC993 GAPTER ROADBOULDER, CO 80303 (US)

(21) Appl. No.:(22) Filed:

111236,142Sep. 26, 2005

Related U.S. Application Data(60) Provisional application No. 60/613,778, filed on Sep.

27,2004.Publication Classification

(51) Int. Cl.B29D 11/00 (2006.01)

(52) U.S. Cl. 264/1.27

(57) ABSTRACTA system is disclosed for converting energy from the elec-tromagnetic quantum vacuum available at any point in theuniverse to usable energy in the form of heat, electricity,mechanical energy or other forms of power. By suppressingelectromagnetic quantum vacuum energy at appropriatefrequencies a change may be effected in the electron energylevels which will result in the emission or release of energy.Mode suppression of electromagnetic quantum vacuumradiation is known to take place in Casimir cavities. ACasimir cavity refers to any region in which electromagneticmodes are suppressed or restricted. When atoms enter intosuitable micro Casimir cavities a decrease in the orbitalenergies of electrons in atoms will thus occur. Such energywill be captured in the claimed devices. Upon emergenceform such micro Casimir cavities the atoms will be re-energized by the ambient electromagnetic quantum vacuum.In this way energy is extracted locally and replenishedglobally from and by the electromagnetic quantum vacuum.This process may be repeated an unlimited number of times.This process is also consistent with the conservation ofenergy in that all usable energy does come at the expense ofthe energy content of the electromagnetic quantum vacuum.Similar effects may be produced by acting upon molecularbonds. Devices are described in which gas is recycledthrough a multiplicity of Casimir cavities. The discloseddevices are scalable in size and energy output for applica-tions ranging from replacements for small batteries to powerplant sized generators of electricity.

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QUANTUM VACUUM ENERGY EXTRACTIONBACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] Max Planck proposed the concept of zero-pointenergy in 1912. The idea was then studied by Albert Einsteinand Otto Stern in 1913. In 1916 Walther Nemst proposedthat the Universe was filled with zero-point energy. Themodern field of stochastic electrodynamics is based uponthese ideas.[0002] At that same time the structure and stability of theatom were puzzles. The Rutherford model of the atom wasbased on analogy to the motions of planets (electrons)around the Sun (the nucleus). However this was not feasible.The orbiting electron(s) would emit Larmor radiation,quickly losing energy and thus spiraling into the nucleus ontime scales less than one-trillionth of a second, therebyrendering stable matter impossible. It is now known withinthe context of stochastic electrodynamics (SED) theory thata possible solution involves the absorption of zero-pointenergy. Itwas shown in 1975 by Boyer that the simplestpossible atom and atomic state, the hydrogen atom in itsground state, would be in a state of equilibrium betweenLarmor radiation and absorption of zero-point energy at thecorrect radius for a classical Rutherford hydrogen atom.[0003] Since this solution was not known in 1913, NielsBohr followed a different path by simply postulating thatonly discrete energy levels were available to the electron inan atom. This line of reasoning let to the development ofquantum theory in the 1920s. The concept of classicalzero-point energy was forgotten for a decade. However thesame concept found itself reborn in a quantum context in1927 with the formulation of the Heisenberg uncertaintyprinciple. According to the principle, the minimum energyof a harmonic oscillator has the value hf/2, where h isPlanck's constant and f isthe frequency. Itis thus impossibleto remove this last amount of random energy from anoscillating system.[0004] Since the electromagnetic field also must be quan-tized in quantum theory, a parallel is drawn between theproperties of a quantum oscillator and the waves of theelectromagnetic field. It is concluded that the minimumenergy of any possible mode of the electromagnetic field,consisting of frequency, propagation direction and polariza-tion state, is hf/2. Multiplying this energy by all possiblemodes of the field gives rise to the electromagnetic quantumvacuum, which has identical properties---energy density andspectrum-to the classical zero-point energy studied byPlanck, Einstein, Stem and Nemst a decade previously.[0005] The line of inquiry involving classical physics plusthe addition of a classical zero-point field was reopened inthe 1960s by Trevor Marshall and Timothy Boyer and hasbeen named stochastic electrodynamics (SED). SED asksthe question: "Which quantum propert ies, processes or lawscan be explained in terms of classical physics with the onlyaddition being a zero-point electromagnetic field." Two ofthe early successes were a classical derivation of the black-body spectrum (i.e. one not involving quantum physics) andthe discovery that a classically orbit ing electron in a hydro-gen atom emitting Larmor radiation but absorbing zero-point radiation would have an equilibrium orbit at theclassical Bohr radius. An initial approach to this problem by

Oct. 18, 20071

Timothy Boyer (1975) was perfected by H. E. Puthoff(1987). Their analyses treated the orbiting electron as aharmonic oscillator.[0006] This result underwent a major new developmentwith the recent work of Daniel Cole and Y. Zou whichsimulated the orbit of a classical electron in a true Coulombfield of a hydrogen nucleus and found that such a realisticelectron would find itself in a range of distances from thenucleus, in agreement with quantum mechanics, owing tothe random nature of the emission and absorption processes.The mean position is at the correct Bohr radius, but theactual distribution of positions very precisely duplicates theelectron probability distribution of the corresponding Schro-dinger equation in which the electron is regarded as beingrepresented by a wave function. (In the SED representationthe electron is "smeared out" not because it is a wavefunction, but because as a point-like particle it is subject tothe continuous perturbations of the electromagnetic quan-tum vacuum fluctuations.)[0007] A clear consequence of this theory is that a reduc-tion of the electromagnetic quantum vacuum at the fre-quency corresponding to the orbit of the electron will resultin a decay of the orbit since there will thereby be animbalance in the Larmor radiation vs. absorption.[0008] The electromagnetic quantum vacuum energyspectrum is proportional to the cube of the frequency. Ifthevacuum energy is suppressed at the frequency of the "nor-mal" orbit of the electron, this will cause the electron tospiral inward to a higher frequency orbit. In this fashion itwill then encounter a new equilibrium situation with theelectromagnetic quantum vacuum energy spectrum owing tothat spectrum's increase with the cube of the frequency.[0009] Ifthe SED interpretation is correct for the hydro-gen atom as the analyses of Boyer, Puthoff, Cole and Zouindicate, it must apply as well to all other atoms and theirmulti-electron configurations. In that case, a transition of anelectron from an excited state to a lower energy stateinvolves a rapid decay from one stable orbit to another, notan instantaneous quantum jump. The details of the bases forstability of electron orbits has yet to be determined by SEDtheory, but the logical extrapolation from the single-electronhydrogen case is clear: electron orbits in all atoms must bedetermined by an emission vs. absorption balance and thusare subject to modification involving mode suppression ofthe electromagnetic zero-point field at appropriate frequen-cres.[0010] Itis claimed that modification of electron orbits isin essence the same process as natural transition betweenenergy levels of electrons in atoms and therefore that theenergy released in such a process can be captured in thesame way as ordinary transition energy.[0011] By moving an atom into and out of a microstructurethat suppresses appropriate modes of the electromagneticquantum vacuum, an extraction of energy from the electro-magnetic quantum vacuum may be accomplished. This canbe done with micro Casimir cavities.[0012] The electromagnetic quantum vacuum as a realsource of energy is indicated by the Lamb shift between sand p levels in hydrogen, van der Waals forces, the Ahara-nov-Bohm effect, and noise in electronic circuits.


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[0013] However the most important effect of the electro-magnetic quantum vacuum is the existence of the CasimirForce, a force between parallel conducting plates which maybe interpreted as a radiation pressure effect of electromag-netic quantum vacuum energy. Electromagnetic waves in acavity whose walls are conducting are constrained to certainwavelengths for reasons having to do with transverse com-ponent boundary conditions on the wall surfaces. As a result,in a Casimir cavity between parallel plates there will be, ineffect, an exclusion of radiation modes whose wavelengthsare longer than the separation of the plates. An overpressureof electromagnetic quantum vacuum radiation on the outsidethen pushes the plates together. An extensive literature existson the Casimir force and the reality of the force has movedfrom laboratory experimentation to micro-electro-mechani-cal structures (MEMS) technology both as a problem (so-called "stiction") and as a possible control mechanism.[0014] The exclusion of modes does not begin all at onceat the wavelength equivalent to the plate separation, d. Modesuppression will be strongest for wavelengths of d or greater,but will begin to occur as well for wavelengths falling inbetween the "stairway" din, with the effect diminishing as nincreases. We propose to use the partial suppression ofmodes for wavelengths shorter than d occurring in thisfashion in order to be able to employ Casimir cavities of themaximum possible physical size.[0015] Researchers have shown that thermodynamic lawsare not violated when energy is "extracted" from zero-pointenergy, as energy is still conserved and the second law is notviolated. Cole and Puthoff have carried out and publishedthermodynamic analyses showing that there is no violation.Indeed, a thought experiment by Forward (1984) showed asimple, but not practical, energy extraction experiment.[0016] In the stochastic electrodynamics (SED) interpre-tation of the hydrogen atom, the ground state is interpretedas effectively equivalent to a classically orbiting electronwhose velocity is c/13 7. The orbit is stable at the Bohr radiusowing to a balance between classical electromagnetic emis-sion and absorption from the electromagnetic zero-pointfield. This view, first obtained by Boyer (1975) and subse-quently refined by Puthoff (1987) has been further strength-ened by the detailed simulations of Cole and Zou (2003,2004) which demonstrate that the stochastic motions of theelectron in this interpretation reproduce the probabilitydensity distribution of the Schriidinger wave function. Notethat one apparent difference between this interpretation andthat of quantum mechanics is that in quantum mechanics the1s state of the electron is regarded as having zero angularmomentum, whereas in the SED interpretation the electronhas an instantaneous angular momentum of mcr/137=h/2Jt.However SED simulations by Nickisch have shown that thetime-averaged angular momentum is zero just as in thequantum case owing to the zero-point perturbations on theorbital plane. Thus averaged over enough "orbits" this"classical electron" will fill a spherical symmetric volumearound the nucleus having the same radial probability den-sity as the Schrodinger wave function and zero net angularmomentum, completely consistent with quantum behavior.[0017] The Bohr radius of the atom in the SED view is0.529 A (Angstroms). This implies that the wavelength ofzero-point radiation responsible for sustaining the orbit is2*Jt*0.529*137=455 A (0.0455 microns). It is claimed that

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suppression of zero-point radiation at this wavelength andshorter in a Casimir cavity will result in the decay of theelectron to a lower energy state determined by a new balancebetween classical emission of an accelerated charge andzero-point radiation at A


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[0031] All of these elements contain ns electrons. He hastwo is electrons. Ne has two each of Is and 2s electrons. Arhas two each of 1s, 2s, and 3s electrons. Krhas two of eachof Is, 2s, 3s, and 4s electrons. Xe has two of each of Is, 2s,3s, 4s and 5s electrons.[0032] Assuming an outermost electron which is com-pletely shielded by the other electrons (a crude assumption),its orbital velocity would scale as r-1/2 (the familiar Keple-rian period squared proportional to semi-major axis cubedrelationship) and thus A proportional to r/v) will scale as r3/2.Ifthat is the case, then the larger radii translate as ?/2 intolarger Casimir cavities having an effect on the energetics ofthe outer electron shells. We would therefore expect that aCasimir cavity having d=O.1 microns (or perhaps even aslarge as one micron would have an effect on reducing theenergy levels of the outermost pair of s electrons ... andpossibly also p electrons and intermediate shell s electronsas well.[0033] Itis reasonable to expect that a 0.1 microns Casimircavity would result in a release of 1 to 10 eV for eachinjection of a He, Ne, Ar, Kr or Xe atom into such a cavity.[0034] According to a Jordan Maclay, who has donetheoretical Casimir cavity calculations, a long cylindricalcavity results in an inward force on the cavity. In the"exclusion of modes" interpretation of the Casimir force,this implies that a cylindrical cavity of diameter 0.1 micronwould yield the desired decay of outer shell electrons andsubsequent release of energy.[0035] Itis now recognized that an electromagnetic quan-tum vacuum field is formally necessary for atomic stabili tyin conventional quantum theory (Milonni 1994). In the fieldof physics known as stochastic electrodynamics, this con-cept has been shown by theory and simulations to underliethe ground state of the electron in the hydrogen atom. Theclassical Bohr orbit is determined by a balance of Larmoremission and absorption of energy from the zero-pointfluctuations of the electromagnetic quantum vacuum in SEDtheory. It follows that upon suppression of appropriatezero-point fluctuations the balance will be upset causing theelectron to decay to a lower energy level not ordinarilyfound in nature with a release of energy during this transi-tion. A Casimir cavity of the proper dimensions can accom-plish this suppression of zero-point fluctuations. A Casimircavity refers to any region in which electromagnetic modesare suppressed or restricted. Upon entering such a properlydesigned Casimir cavity the electron energy level will shiftand energy will be released. Upon exiting the Casimir cavitythe electron will return to its customary state by absorbingenergy from the ambient zero-point fluctuations. This per-mits an energy extraction cycle to be achieved at the expenseof the zero-point fluctuations. Although it has not yet beenproven theoretically, a similar balance of Larmor emissionand absorption of energy from the zero-point fluctuationsmust underlie the electron states of all atoms, not justhydrogen, permitting any atom to be used as a catalyst forextraction of zero-point energy (the energy associated withthe zero-point fluctuations). An analogous process is alsobelieved to underlie molecular bonds, yielding a similarenergy extraction cycle.[0036] The following is a list of patents that deal withrelated phenomena:[0037] U.S. Pat. No. 5,018,180, Energy conversion usinghigh charge density, Kenneth R. Shoulders. This concerns

Oct. 18, 20073

the production of charge clusters in spark discharges. It isconjectured that the electrostatic repulsion of charges isovercome in charge clusters by a Casimir-like force. Thisinvention does not deal with energy release from atoms inCasimir cavities and is therefore not relevant to the presentinvention.[0038] U.S. Pat. No. 5,590,031, System for convertingelectromagnetic radiation energy to electrical energy, Fran-klin B. Mead and Jack Nachamkin. This invention does notdeal with energy release from atoms in Casimir cavities andis therefore not relevant to the present invention.[0039] U.S. Pat. No. 6,477,028, Method and apparatus forenergy extraction, Fabrizio Pinto. Proposes to vary one ormore of a variety of physical factors that affect the Casimirforce, or by altering any of a variety of enviroumentalfactors that affect such physical factors and thereby render aCasimir force system as non-conservative. This inventiondoes not deal with energy release from atoms in Casimircavities and is therefore not relevant to the present invention.[0040] U.S. Pat. No. 6,593,566, Method and apparatus forenergy extraction, Fabrizio Pinto. A method and apparatusfor accelerating and a decelerating particles based on par-t icle surface interactions. This invention does not deal withenergy release from atoms in Casimir cavities and is there-fore not relevant to the present invention.[0041] U.S. Pat. No. 6,665,167, Method for energy extrac-tion-I, Fabrizio Pinto. Similar to U.S. Pat. No. 6,477,028.This invention does not deal with energy release from atomsin Casimir cavities and is therefore not relevant to thepresent invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION[0042] A system is disclosed for converting part of theenergy of the electromagnetic quantum vacuum available atany point in the universe to usable energy in the form ofheat, electricity, mechanical energy or other forms of power.This is accomplished using an effect on the electron con-figurations of atoms predicted by the theory of stochasticelectrodynamics (SED). Within the context of SED theory itis predicted that the electron energy levels in atoms aredetermined by a balance of Larmor radiation vs. absorptionof radiative energy from the electromagnetic quantumvacuum. By suppressing electromagnetic quantum vacuumenergy at appropriate frequencies a change may be effectedin the electron energy levels which will result in the emis-sion or release of energy. This change in energies is analo-gous to a standard emission of a photon as an electron makesa transition from an excited to a lower energy state, but ona longer time scale and with the change being a continuousone rather than a "jump" from one energy level to another.Mode suppression of electromagnetic quantum vacuumradiation is known to take place in Casimir cavities. ACasimir cavity refers to any region in which electromagneticmodes are suppressed or restricted. When atoms enter intosuitable micro Casimir cavities a decrease in the orbitalenergies of electrons in atoms will thus occur, with the effectbeing most pronounced for outer shell electrons. Suchenergy will be captured in the claimed devices. Uponemergence form such micro Casimir cavities the atoms willbe re-energized by the ambient electromagnetic quantumvacuum. In this way energy is extracted locally and replen-ished globally from and by the electromagnetic quantum


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vacuum. This process may be repeated an unlimited numberof times. This process is also consistent with the conserva-tion of energy in that all usable energy does come at theexpense of the energy content of the electromagnetic quan-tum vacuum. Two example variations of a system aredisclosed that permit multiple extractions of electromagneticquantum vacuum energy during passage of a gas through aseries of micro Casimir cavities and that operate in aself-sustaining, recycling fashion. Similar effects may beproduced by acting upon molecular bonds. The discloseddevices are scalable in size and energy output for applica-tions ranging from replacements for small batteries to powerplant sized generators of electricity. Since the electromag-netic quantum vacuum is thought to permeate the entireUniverse, devices drawing power from the electromagneticquantum vacuum in the fashion claimed will be effectivelyinexhaustible sources of power.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS[0043] The present invention may be understood by ref-erence to the following detailed description taken in con-junction with the drawings briefly described below.[0044] FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic illustration of a set ofchannels each containing a multiplicity of Casimir cavitiesin accordance with the present invention.[0045] FIG. 2 isa diagrammatic illustration of a system forconverting quantum vacuum energy into locally usablepower in accordance with the present invention.[0046] FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic illustration of a block oftunnels each containing a multiplicity of Casimir cavities inaccordance with the present invention.[0047] FIGS. 4A-4D are diagrammatic illustrations ofCasimir channels in bonded wafers in accordance with thepresent invention.[0048] FIGS. 5A-5C are diagrammatic illustrations of adevice for oscillating a fluid though Casimir channels inaccordance with the present invention.[0049] FIGS. 6A and 6B are diagrammatic illustrations ofa device switching the reflecting characteristics of walls ofCasimir cavities in accordance with the present invention.[0050] FIGS. 7A and 7B are diagrammatic illustrations ofa device Casimir cavity wall spacing in accordance with thepresent invention.[0051] FIG. 8 is a diagrammatic illustration of a deviceincorporating asymmetric Casimir cavity entry and exits inaccordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION[0052] The first embodiments of this concept utilizeCasimir cavities consisting of volumes through which, or inand out of which, gases flow, and which on the size scalesof atoms appear as regions bounded by parallel plates ofconducting material in which the plate scales are muchlarger than the plate separations; or by cylinders of conduct-ing material in which the lengths of the cylinders are muchlarger than the diameters. It is claimed that other forms ofCasimir cavity are capable of producing a similar effect, andthe term Casimir cavity will be used to designate any volumecapable of mode suppression of the zero-point field. The

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necessary condition is that the mode suppression ability ofthe Casimir cavity be matched to the electron energy levelsin such a way as to result in a significant difference of theelectron energy levels inside vs. outside the cavity.[0053] These embodiments demonstrate the followingconcepts:[0054] A method, comprising: (a) use of a deviceincluding a series of Casimir cavities and causing aspecific gas to flow through the cavities, said Casimircavities being configured and said specific gas beingselected such that as the gas flows through the cavitiesenergy is released from the gas; and (b) means forcollecting at least some of said released gas.

[0055] A method, comprising: (a) providing a deviceincluding at least one Casimir cavity and causing aspecific gas to enter and then exit the cavity, saidCasimir cavity being configured and said specific gasbeing selected such that when the gas is caused to enterthe cavity, energy is released from the gas; and (b)means for collecting at least some of said releasedenergy.

[0056] A means for effecting changes in the electronconfigurations. A system for converting part of theenergy of the electromagnetic quantum vacuum avail-able at any point inthe Universe to usable energy intheform of heat, electricity, mechanical energy or otherforms of power.

[0057] A means for effecting changes in the electronconfigurations in the process of which energy isreleased.

[0058] Ameans for allowing the electron configurationsto be re-energized by exposure to the ambient electro-magnetic quantum vacuum radiation.

[0059] The use of microstructures consisting of manypairs of alternating Casimir cavities and regions inwhich the electromagnetic quantum vacuum radiationfreely propagates.

[0060] The use of conducting strips on facing pairs ofplates so that atoms go through alternating regions inwhich they are exposed to the full electromagneticquantum vacuum spectrum, and regions in which partofthe spectrum is blocked. The result isthat they dump(or radiate) the energy difference into the local medium.

[0061] The use of spacers to separate the layer pairs.[0062] The use of multiple conducting strips to amplifythe effect (hugely).

[0063] The stacking of such plates with strips on bothsides so that the top of one pair becomes the bottom ofthe next, each with identical conducting strips whichform Casimir cavities with their partner strips in eachpair.

[0064] The use of sandwiched layers of alternatingconducting and non-conducting plates having micronsized thicknesses in which micron or submicron diam-eter holes are introduced by etching or some othermethod.

[0065] The stacking, co-registration and alignment ofsuch sandwiched layers to produce many parallelCasimir tunnels having alternating Casimir and non-conducting segments.


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[0066] The use of multiple segments to amplify the effect(hugely).[0067] The use of monatomic gases as the medium insuch a system.

[0068] The use of molecular gases in such a system forthe purpose of modifying molecular bonds with theattendant release of energy.

[0069] A closed recycling system in which these pro-cesses take place.

[0070] Fabricatable and workable configuration anddimensions but with the claims not limited to thesespecific embodiments.

[0071] A means whereby the flow of gas is initiated andmaintained in a closed system.

[0072] A means whereby the energy released from theelectron orbital changes is converted into usable energyin the form of heat, electricity, mechanical energy orother forms of power.

Casimir Channels[0073] This embodiment shown in FIG. 1 involves twosquare parallel plates 12 and 14, 10xl0 cm in size forillustration. On each one lay down 5000 conducting strips 16that are 10 microns in width and the full 10 cm in length,separated by 10 microns non-conducting strips. Perpendicu-lar to the strips deposit a spacer material 18 at 0.1 to 1 ernintervals with a height of 0.1 microns. Put the plates face toface and align the strips so as to form 5000 Casimir strips.[0074] Ifwe assume a gas flow rate of 10 cm/s parallel tothe spacers and perpendicular to the strips, this would resultin 1.3xl020 transitions/so[0075] An energy release of 1 to 10 eV per transitioncorresponds to 21 to 210 watts of energy release for theentire Casimir cavity. A stacked set of 10or more such layerscould be fabricated yielding 210 to 2100 watts for a 10xl0x10 cm block.[0076] This may be directly converted into electricityusing a thermophotovoltaic process, or indirectly by using aheat exchanger. As in the previous embodiment, one meansof capturing the emitted radiation is to surround the appa-ratus with a water bath.[0077] The dimensions above are solely examples. Thedevice may be scaled to both smaller and significantly largerdimensions.[0078] The essential components of an energy generatingdevice of this sort shown in FIG. 2 are:[0079] (1) An array of parallel Casimir channels withconducting strips 10

[0080] (2) A pump 22 providing continuous recycling ofgas through the tunnels

[0081] (3) A means 24 for capturing the emitted energy[0082] (4) A thermal photovoltaic, heat exchanger orother device 26 capable of converting output heat intoelectricity or other usable forms of power.

[0083] A desirable property of the system is its ability toradiate the accumulated energy locally and absorb it glo-

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bally. Thus surprisingly the means 24 for capturing theemitted energy can capture the emitted energy withouthindering the capture of the quantum vacuum energy by thegas. This is due to the fact that the vacuum field permeatesall space and cannot be blocked. (Note that the reason thatCasimir cavities have reduced vacuum energy modes is notthat they block it, but rather that because of destructiveinterference they do not allow some of the electromagneticmodes to exist in their interior.) A second reason that themeans 24 does not block the capture of the quantum vacuumenergy is that the absorbed energy is dominantly shorterwavelength electromagnetic modes that are not absorbed bythe means 24, whereas the radiated energy can be longerwavelengths for which the means 24 has a much largerabsorption coefficient. Such is the case, for example, whenthe means 24 comprises a water bath.[0084] The first two components will be enclosed in sealedstructure. The third and fourth components may be interioror exterior to this structure.[0085] A variation on the above device consists of stack-ing plates such that the top of one pair becomes the bottomin the next pair, etc.Casimir Tunnels[0086] One embodiment of the concept shown in FIG. 3 ismultiple, parallel, 0.1 micron diameter Casimir tunnels. Ifwe let the length of the cylinder be 100 times the width, thisresults in z= 10 microns for the length of the Casimir tunnel.We propose a segmented tunnel consisting of alternatingconducting and non-conducting materials, each 10 micronsin length. In a length of 1 cm, there could be 500 such pairsin segments, resulting in 500 energy releases events (eachyielding 1 to 10 eV) for each transit of an atom through theentire 1 cm-Iong segmented Casimir tunnel.[0087] Consider a one cubic cm "Casimir Block" that isbuilt up of 10 micron thick alternating layers as shown inFIG. 3.Assume that tunnels 32 of 0.1 micron diameter couldbe drilled through the cube perpendicular to the layers 34(this is not physically possible, of course; tunnel manufac-ture must be done differently). Ten percent of the crosssection comprises entrance to some 1.3 billion tunnels. Theamount of energy released would be proportional to the flowrate of the gas through these tunnels.[0088] A flow rate of 10 cm S-l through a total crosssectional area of 0.1 crrr' yields 1 em:' of gas per secondflowing through the tunnels, which at STP would be 2.7x1019 atoms. A very simple sealed, closed-loop pumpingsystem could maintain such a continuous gas flow. Sinceeach atom interacts 500 times during its passage, therewould be 1.3xl022 transitions per second in the entire cubeof one cubic centimeter. An energy release of 1 to 10 eV pertransition corresponds to 2150 to 21500 watts of energyrelease for the entire Casimir cube of segmented tunnels.[0089] Obviously it is not possible to drill 1.3 billiontunnels having diameters of 0.1 microns. However it isfeasible to use microchip technology to etch holes into theindividual layers first and then assemble the stack.Extremely fine coregistration and alignment of stacks willneed to be accomplished.[0090] This may be directly converted into electricityusing a thermophotovoltaic process, or indirectly by using aheat exchanger.


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[0091] One means to capture the emitted energy is tosurround the apparatus with a water bath. Water absorbsinfrared radiation very effectively. For the wavelength rangeof 2 microns to 200 microns, the absorption coefficient ofwater is greater than 10cm-I. Therefore a layer ofwater thatis 1 mm thick and surrounds the apparatus will be sufficientto absorb nearly all the emitted infrared radiation. The waterwill be heated, and that heat converted into the desired formof energy.[0092] The dimensions above are solely examples. Thedevice may be scaled to both smaller and significantly largerdimensions.[0093] The essential components of an energy generatingdevice of this sort are:[0094] (1) An array of parallel segmented Casimir tun-nels 32

[0095] (2) A pump 22providing continuous recycling ofgas through the tunnels

[0096] (3) A means 24 for capturing the emitted energy[0097] (4) A thermal photovoltaic, heat exchanger orother device 26 capable of converting output heat intoelectricity or other usable forms of power.

[0098] The first two components will be enclosed in sealedstructure. The third and fourth components may be interioror exterior to this structure.Casimir Channels in Bonded Wafers[0099] The basic concept of the present invention is toflow gas into and out from multiple Casimir cavities. Whenthe gas is outside of a Casimir cavity, a wide range ofquantum mechanical vacuum electromagnetic modes areavailable to interact with the gas's atomic electronic orbitalstates. When the gas passes into a Casimir cavity the rangeof available modes is restricted and the gas sheds some of itselectromagnetic energy such that this energy is availablelocally. When the gas once again flows out from the Casimircavity, the gas's atomic electronic orbital state energy isrecharged from quantum mechanical vacuum fields. Thusenergy is harvested globally and delivered locally.[0100] The configuration for a basic device comprisingbonded wafers is shown in FIGS. 4A-4D. A top view isshown in FIG. 4. The device is 1 sq. cm. As seen from thesouth edge 41 in FIG. 4B, itconsists of two substrates 42 and44 separated by a series of spacers which extend across thedevice from the south to the north side. These spacers havea height d, a width WI' and a center-to-center spacing sL Thethin gaps delineated by the spacers 48 extend to openings atthe south edge of the device, as seen in FIG. 4B and the northedge. As seen from the east edge in FIG. 4C, the upper 44and lower 42 substrates are each coated with conductingstripes 46 that extend from the east edge to the west edge.These stripes are discontinuous, such that the discontinuityoccurs at each region where the stripe is intersected by aspacer 48. These stripes have a width w2 and a center-to-center spacing S2' In the central region of the device there isa region of both substrates that has been removed to form aconduit 43 from close to the east edge to close to the westedge. This conduit does not extend all the way to the edges,but is instead sealed 45 at each end, as shown in FIG. 4A.Finally, as seen in FIG. 4D, which shows an east view of the

Oct. 18, 20076

central cross section, and in FIG. 4A, a hole 47 extendsthrough the upper substrate. This hole connects to theconduit 43 shown in FIGS. 4A and 4C. As can also be seenin FIGS. 4A and 4D, a connector ring 49 that surrounds thehole is affixed to the upper substrate.[0101] For the device to function, gas tubing 28, shown inFIG. 2, is attached to the connector ring 49 extending fromthe upper substrate, forming a sealed connection. Pressur-ized gas flows through the tubing and the hole 47 in theupper substrate into the conduit 43 between the substrates.From the conduit 43 the gas flows from the central regionthrough the gap between the substrates to the north and southedges. The spacers guide the gas so that it flows alternatelybetween regions coated with the conducting stripes 46 andregions that are not coated with these stripes, until it reachesthe north and south edges, at which point it escapes from thegap between the substrates. The escaped gas is captured ina surronnding enclosure, not shown, and pumped backthrough the tubing 28 into the hole at the top center of thedevice, forming a close-loop system. In this way the gas ispassed through multiple Casimir cavities. The gas atoms ormolecules absorb energy from the surrounding electromag-netic field when they are in the non-conducting region andthen release a portion of their energy as they enter the gapbetween the conductive coatings, i.e., in the Casimir cavity.[0102] The apparatus is surronnded by a means 24 tocapture the released energy, such as a water bath, shown inFIG. 2.Water absorbs infrared radiation very effectively. Forthe wavelength range of 2 microns to 200 microns, theabsorption coefficient of water is greater than 10 em?".Therefore a layer of water that is 1mm thick and surroundsthe apparatus is sufficient to absorb a large proportion of theemitted infrared radiation, providing thermal energy to heatthe water. That energy can be used directly as heatingsource, or converted into the desired form of energy, bymeans 26 well known to those skilled in the art.[0103] The materials and dimensions in the preferredembodiment are as follows. The upper 44 and lower 42substrates are sapphire, which is transparent to much of theambient electromagnetic spectrum, is thermally conductive,and is rigid and robust. The thickness of each substrate is250 microns. The conducting regions 46 are formed bystandard photolithography known to those skilled in the art.The width of each conducting stripe, w2, is 2 microns, andseparated by a 2 micron nonconducting region, to form acenter-to-center spacing 52 of 4 microns. The stripe has gapswhere the spacers 48 are to be formed. The conductivecoating 46 is platinum, having a thickness of 40 nm. Thespacers 48 consist of silicon dioxide, deposited and pat-terned by standard means known by those skilled in the art.The total spacer height, d, is 200 nm, its width, wu is 5microns, and the center-to-center spacing, s.. is 0.5 mm. Thespacers are formed by depositing 100 nm thick layers oneach substrate, and then joining them. The central conduitregions 43 are cut into the substrates using a standarddiamond saw. The cuts are 100 microns in width and 50microns in depth, forming a conduit that is approximately a100 micron square. The hole 47 drilled through the uppersubstrate has a diameter of 1 nun, and is surronnded by aring having a diameter of 2.5 mm. The ring 49 is affixed tothe upper substrate by epoxy. The substrates are pressure


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bonded together by direct bonding (PIal, 1999), with thebond forming between the silicon dioxide spacers layers oneach substrate.[0104] The steps in the device fabrication that are notdescribed explicitly are well known to those skilled in theart.[0105] Following the calculations presented in the back-ground section, the power produced by a single such deviceis estimated to be between 1 and 10 watts for an inputpressure of 8 atmospheres.[0106] Pumping gas through the Casimir pores requirespower. We examine how much power is required, as a checkthat it is not more than is produced by the device. Considera Casimir block that contains 200 nm diameter pores over a1 ern" area, having a thickness of 1 cm and a porosity of0.25. We find the pressure and power required to produce aflux of 1 em" per second at standard temperature andpressure (STP):[0107] According to FIG. 10(a) in a paper by Roy et al.(1993) a pressure drop of760 torr (equal to one atmosphere)results from a flow of approximately 5 mol/m=s through athickness of 60 microns, which corresponds to a gas velocityof 10 cm/s. Reducing the velocity by a factor often, makingthe appropriate unit conversions and multiplying the resultby the thickness ratio of 1 cm (104 microns) divided by 60microns gives the result that a pressure of 1700 Pa, corre-sponding to 17 atmospheres, is required to produce thedesired gas flow. Multiplying this by the gas flux of 1 em"S-l results in a required power of 1.7 milliwatts. Theseresults are only approximate, as temperature and structuralvariations through the Casimir pores are expected to produceresistance which will then require a somewhat greater pres-sure. In any case the required power of approximately 1.7milliwatts is much lower than our estimate of 2.2 to 22kilowatts of power release, and so much more power isproduced than is used to produce the gas flow.[0108] It is to be understood that the dimensions andmaterials can be varied greatly and still be part of thisinvention. The following is a list of some such variations,but it is far from exhaustive:[0109] i. The substrates may be other insulating orpartially conducting materials, such as silicon, glass,ceramic, plastic, etc.

[0110] ii. The conducting stripes can be formed of otherconductors, such as copper, aluminum, gold, sliver,silicides, transparent conductors such as indium tinoxide, etc.

[0111] iii. Instead of depositing the stripes so that theyprotrude from the surface and potentially interfere withthe gas flow, they may be recessed, either by etchingrecesses into which the conductors are deposited, or byusing planarization techniques to coat an insulatinglayer between the stripes, using techniques well knownin the industry.

[0112] iv. The spacer materials can be formed frompolymers used, for example, as photoresist and elec-tron-beam resist, from metals, and other materials.

[0113] v. Instead of depositing spacers they may beformed by the etching of one or both of the substratesto form grooves.

Oct. 18, 20077

[0114] vi. The spacer height may be from 1nm to manymicrons.

[0115] vii. The substrates may be bonded by pressurebonding or the use of adhesives, such as cyanoacrylics.

[0116] viii. The dimensions of the overall structure maybe varied from the distance between a single pair ofspacers and conductor/nonconductor region to largeplates that are many meters in width.

[0117] ix. The individual devices may be sandwichedtogether to form thick structures. For example, in placeof the 250 micron thick substrates, micro-sheet havinga thickness of 50 microns or far less may be used so thatdense structures are formed.

[0118] x. The working fluid may be a wide variety ofgases, in addition to the noble gases described earlier,so that all mentions of gas atoms may be extended tomolecules of various types.

[0119] xi. The working fluid may be a liquid, so that allmentions of gases and gas atoms may be extended toliquids of various types. For operation within approxi-mately of 100 C., one possible liquid is ethyleneglycol. For high temperature operation, the liquid canbe sodium.

[0120] xii. Micro-motors formed using micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) technology can be usedto pump the gas through the channels.

[0121] xiii. The Casimir cavities may be composed ofcarbon nanotubes.

[0122] xiv. The pattern may be formed using self-assembled layers.

[0123] xv. The device may incorporate a naturallyformed structure. For example, diatom shells (Goho,2004a) consist of silicon dioxide patterned with fea-tures, including holes, that are tens of nanometers insize. They can be coated as needed with conductors toform Casimir cavities.

[0124] xvi. The water bath may be replaced with anyother material or device that absorbs substantially thereleased energy wavelengths. Such materials includeglass, organic polymers, thermophotovoltaic devices,among many possibilit ies known to those skilled in theart.

[0125] xvii. Rather than surrounding the entire appara-tus, the absorbing material may be placed in the appa-ratus, for example coating the channels through whichthe gas flows. Such placement can allow the absorberto reside within roughly an emission wavelength of thegas that is releasing the energy.

Gas Oscillating Through Casimir Channels[0126] The device described in the previous embodimentexposes the gas atoms to a very large number of transitionsbetween Casimir cavity regions (between conducting layers)and exposed regions (without the conducting layers) bypumping them across multiple transit ions. Instead of pump-ing gas through the device, gas atoms can simply be oscil-lated back and forth between Casimir cavity and exposedregions.


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[0127] A simple way to visualize this, but not necessarilythe most efficient working device, is to consider the deviceof FIGS. 4A-4D, but with the gaps sealed at the north andsouth edges. Instead of connecting to tubing via the con-nector ring, the ring is sealed with a thin metal diaphragm.Before sealing the device it is filled with the desired workinggas. An ultrasonic transducer is then mated to the dia-phragm. When the ultrasonic transducer is powered, itrapidly compresses and decompressed the gas, causing it tooscillate back and forth between Casimir and exposedregions.[0128] A vertical oscillatory flow device is shown inFIGS. 5A-5C. FIG. SA shows a top view, in which manysmall holes 54 are formed in the substrate surface. Thedevice is surrounded by a connector ring 58. A magnifiedcross section of the holes is shown in FIG. 5B. The holes 54have a diameter d, a center-to-center spacing s, a depth t2,and the thickness of a conducting region 56 at the surface ist1. A central cross section of the entire device is shown inFIG. 5C. Itshows the substrate (holes and conducting layernot shown), the connector ring at the periphery, and a thindiaphragm 57 attached to the top of the connector ring.[0129] The gap and holes are filled with the chosenworking gas 59. An ultrasonic transducer or other source ofhigh frequency vibrations is placed in contact with thediaphragm 57 and powered. This produces gas pressureoscillations that force gas atoms past the Casimir region 55formed at the top of each hole, alternately in upward anddownward directions. Instead of a single conducting layer atthe top, multiple alternating conducting and non-conductinglayers can be formed at the top of the holes, to multiply theeffect. As in the embodiment of FIGS. 4A-4D, the apparatusis surrounded by a means for absorbing the released energy,such as a water bath 24.[0130] The device is fabricated as follows. The conductinglayer 56 is deposited using vacuum deposition, such assputtering, or from a liquid by anodic or electroless depo-sition. The layers are patterned by methods known to thoseskilled in the art, such as electron-beam lithography orphotolithography. Alternatively, the holes 54 can be formedusing self-assembled monolayers to create the lithographymask, as known to those skilled in the art. The holes areetched to a high aspect ratio, e.g., ratio of depth-to-diameterof 20, such as by ion milling. The outer ring 58 is attachedusing epoxy, the region is filled with the desired working gas59, and the diaphragm 57 is attached with epoxy.[0131] The materials and dimensions in the preferredembodiment are as follows. The substrate 52 is sapphire, andhas diameterof2.54 cm and a thickness of250 microns. Theconducting layer 56 is aluminum, of thickness t1of 1micron.The hole 54 depth t2 is 4 microns. The hole diameter d is 0.2microns and center-to-center spacing s is 0.3 microns.[0132] It is to be understood that the shape, dimensions,modulation techniques and materials can be varied greatlyand still be part of this invention. The following is a list ofsome such variations, but it is far from exhaustive:[0133] i. The Casimir cavities may be composed ofcarbon nanotubes.

[0134] ii. The working fluid may be a wide variety ofgases, in addition to the noble gases described earlier,

Oct. 18, 20078

so that all mentions of gas atoms may be extended tomolecules of various types.

[0135] iii. The working fluid may be a liquid, so that allmentions of gases and gas atoms may be extended toliquids of various types. For operation of up to approxi-mately 100 C., one possible liquid is ethylene glycol.For high temperature operation, the liquid can besodium.

[0136] iv. Instead of actively causing the gas atoms tooscillate into and out from the Casimir cavity regions,the oscillations can result from ambient thermal vibra-tions (e.g., Brownian motion).

[0137] v. The configuration of the device can be similarto that of the MEMS device of FIGS. 7A and 7B(described as part of a later embodiment), such that theworking gas is pushed back and forth between theleft-hand and right-hand regions.

[0138] vi. The pattern may be formed using self-as-sembled layers.

[0139] vii. The device may incorporate a naturallyformed structure. For example, diatom shells consist ofsilicon dioxide patterned with features, including holes,that are tens of nanometers in size. They can be coatedas needed with conductors to form Casimir cavities.

[0140] viii. The pumping can be driven by a naturallyoccurring mechanism. For example, some yeast cellhave been found to naturally vibrate at 1.6kHz (Goho,2004b). This could be used to cause a gas to oscillateback and forth between Casimir cavity and exposedregions.

[0141] ix. The water bath may be replaced with anyother material or device that absorbs substantially thereleased energy wavelengths. Such materials includeglass, organic polymers, thermophotovoltaic devices,among many possibilities known to those skilled in theart.

[0142] x. Rather than surrounding the entire apparatus,the absorbing material may be placed in the apparatus,for example coating the channels through which the gasflows. Such placement can allow the absorber to residewithin roughly an emission wavelength of the gas thatis releasing the energy.

Casimir Cavities in Flexible Polymer[0143] Rather than moving the working gas by flowing it(FIGS. 4A-4D) or vibrating it into and out of a Casimircavity (FIGS. 5A-5C), the cavity wall characteristics can beswitched, which results in a shift in the cavity's allowedmodes. This produces the same result of tapping vacuumelectromagnetic energy that the flowing gas device of theembodiment of FIGS. 4A-4D produces. One way to accom-plish this is to put the working gas into gaps formed inflexible photonic crystals. A photonic crystal blocks andpasses bands of electromagnetic radiation, where the bandwavelength ranges depend upon the material properties andspacing of small repeated structures. A flexible photoniccrystal can be formed by embedding an array or rigidobjects, such as silicon pillars, in a thin film of flexiblepolymer. The electromagnetic (or optical) properties of such


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two-dimensional slab photonic crystal structures is wellknown to those skilled in the art (Park, 2002).[0144] FIGS. 6A and 6B show such a photonic crystaldevice. FIG. 6A is a top view, showing metal supports 62 atboth ends of a polymer film 64. The rigid pillars that formthe phonic crystal are buried in the polymer. As the film isstretched in the plane of the paper, the pillar spacing in theplane normal to the paper is decreased, which changes theelectromagnetic passband. FIG. 6B is an edge view showingthe supports 62, the polymer film 64, and gaps in the filmthat are filled with the working gas 69. (For clarity, thepillars are not shown.) The gap size is sufficiently narrow toproduce a significant Casimir effect, e.g., 200 nm. Thelength or width need to be sufficiently small to maintain thenarrow gap, e.g., 1 micron. The stretching takes place byattaching one support to a stationary object and attaching theother support to a vibrator, such as a piezoelectric crystal,which itself may be attached on its opposing side to anotherstationary support. As in the embodiment of FIGS. 4A-5D,the apparatus is surrounded by a means for absorbing thereleased energy, such as a water bath 24.[0145] It is to be understood that the shape, dimensions,modulation techniques and materials can be varied greatlyand still be part of this invention. The following is a list ofsome such variations, but it is far from exhaustive:[0146] i. Instead of stretching the polymer, it can bemodulated with an acoustic signal through the air, orthrough a liquid that surrounds it.

[0147] ii. Instead of stretching the polymer, it can bemodulated with an ambient thermal vibrations. As theworking gas and the structure heats up, the vibrationsmcrease.

[0148] iii. The polymer embedded with rigid pillarsmay be formed into small spheres that are filled withthe working gas. These spheres can fill or partially filla volume in which the pressure is modulated, either byenclosing the volume and modulating the pressure inthe entire volume, by passing an acoustic signalthrough the volume, or by thermal vibrations. Thismodulation causes the passband of the photonic crystalthat surrounds the working gas to vary. Although theshape of the device is substantially different from thatof FIGS. 6A-6B, the function is the same.

[0149] iv. The working fluid may be a wide variety ofgases, in addition to the noble gases described earlier,so that all mentions of gas atoms may be extended tomolecules of various types.

[0150] v. The working fluid may be a liquid, so that allmentions of gases and gas atoms may be extended toliquids of various types. For operation of up to approxi-mately 100 C., one possible liquid is ethylene glycol.For high temperature operation, the liquid can besodium.

[0151] vi. The water bath may be replaced with anyother material or device that absorbs substantially thereleased energy wavelengths. Such materials includeglass, organic polymers, thermophotovoltaic devices,among many possibil ities known to those skilled in theart.

Oct. 18, 20079

[0152] vii . Rather than surrounding the entire apparatus,the absorbing material may be placed in the apparatus,for example in the polymer film through which the gasflows. Such placement can allow the absorber to residewithin roughly an emission wavelength of the gas thatis releasing the energy.

Modulating Casimir Cavity Wall Spacing[0153] Rather than moving the working gas by flowing it(FIGS. 4A-4D), vibrating it into and out of a Casimir cavity(FIGS. 5A-5C), or switching the characteristics of walls ofthe cavity to change the passbands (FIGS. 6A and 6B), thespacing between the cavity walls can be modulated. Thisproduces the same result of tapping zero point energy thatthe flowing gas device of the previous embodiments pro-duce. One way to accomplish this is to put the working gasinto gaps formed in micro-electro-mechanical systems(MEMS).[0154] MEMS technology makes use of semiconductorlithography techniques to build miniature mechanicaldevices. The Casimir effect has already been found to be inevidence in MEMS devices. In 2001, Chan and co-workersat Bell Labs Lucent Technologies first demonstrated theeffect of the Casimir force in a MEMS device. A gold coatedsphere was brought close to a MEMS seesaw paddle,consisting of a polysilicon plate suspended above a substrateon thin torsion rods. The Bell Labs researchers demonstratedthe effect of the Casimir force in rocking the plate.[0155] In the current invention we make use of MEMStechnology to modulate the spacing between Casimir cavitywalls. (Note that we are not making use of the Casimir forceto change this spacing, as was done in the Bell Labsdemonstration.) The basic MEMS device used to accom-plish this is shown in FIGS. 7Aand 7B. Aside view is shownin FIG. 7A. Two conducting electrodes 76 are shown on thesubstrate. A pivoting polysilicon plate 74 is shown sus-pended above the substrate 72. A conducting layer 77 isformed on the underside of this plate. A top view is shownin FIG. 7B. The pivoting plate 74 forms the central rectan-gular region, which is surrounded by a gap 73. The pivotingarm 75 connects this plate to the surrounding region at thetop and bottom of the rectangle. As in the earlier embodi-ments, the apparatus is surrounded by a means 24 forabsorbing the released energy, such as a water bath[0156] The device functions as follows. The working gasfills the region between the pivoting plate 74 and thesubstrate 72. A voltage is applied first between the pivotingplate and the left-hand electrode. This causes the distancebetween the left side of the plate and the substrate todiminish, thereby changing the dimensions of the Casimircavity formed by these two surfaces. Then the voltage isinstead applied between the pivoting plate and the right-hand electrode. This causes the plate to pivot, such that thedistance between the right side of the plate and the substratediminishes, thereby changing the dimensions of the Casimircavity formed by these two surfaces. The voltage is switchedalternately between these two electrodes, causing the plate tooscillate back and forth. The oscillating action is greatlyenhanced by the torsion of the pivots, so that very littleenergy is required to maintain the oscillation.[0157] The techniques to fabricate such a MEMS device iswell known to those skilled in the art.


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[0158] It is to be understood that the shape, dimensions,modulation techniques and materials can be varied greatlyand still be part of this invention. The following is a list ofsome such variations, but it is far from exhaustive:[0159] i. Instead of using a MEMS device, the Casimircavity can be formed between a substrate and a sus-pended conducting sheet. A similar technology hasbeen used to form electrostatic acoustic speakers, albeitwith larger spacings.

[0160] ii. Gaps can be formed in a polymer, with bothsides of the gap coated with a conductor and the gapfilled with a working gas. The polymer can then bestretched, as in the embodiment of FIGS. 6A and 6B,such that the spacing of the Casimir cavity formed bythe two conductors is modulated. A figure of this wouldappear much like that depicted in FIG. 6B

[0161] viii. Instead of stretching the polymer, it can bemodulated with an acoustic signal through the air, orthrough a liquid that surrounds it.

[0162] ix. Instead of stretching the polymer, it can bemodulated with an ambient thermal vibrations. As theworking gas and the structure heat up, the vibrationswill increase.

[0163] x. The polymer coated on its interior surfacewith a conductor may be formed into small spheres thatare filled with the working gas. These spheres can filla volume in which the pressure is modulated, either byenclosing the volume and modulating the pressure inthe entire volume, by passing an acoustic signalthrough the volume, or by thermal vibrations. Thismodulation causes the spacing of the Casimir cavity inwhich the working gas is contained to vary. Althoughthe shape of the device is substantially different fromthat of FIGS. 7A and 7B, the function is the same.

[0164] xi. The working fluid may be a wide variety ofgases, in addition to the noble gases described earlier,so that all mentions of gas atoms may be extended tomolecules of various types.

[0165] xii. The working fluid may be a liquid, so that allmentions of gases and gas atoms may be extended toliquids of various types. For operation of up to approxi-mately 100 C., one possible liquid is ethylene glycol.For high temperature operation, the liquid can besodium.

[0166] xiii. The water bath may be replaced with anyother material or device that absorbs substantially thereleased energy wavelengths. Such materials includeglass, organic polymers, thermophotovoltaic devices,among many possibilities known to those skilled in theart.

[0167] xiv. Rather than surrounding the entire appara-tus, the absorbing material may be placed in the appa-ratus, for example coating the substrate and cap of theregion containing the gas. Such placement can allowthe absorber to reside within roughly an emissionwavelength of the gas that is releasing the energy.

[0168] We note that the MEMS device of FIGS. 7Aand 7Bcan also be used to move the working gas back and forthbetween the left-hand and right-hand regions. This function

Oct. 18, 200710

is consistent with the embodiment of FIGS. 5A-5C, in whichthe working gas is vibrated into and out of a Casimir cavity.Assymetric Casimir Cavity Entry and Exits IncludingAbsorbing Means[0169] As a prelude to this embodiment, we review theprocesses involved in the present invention. A general con-cept of this entire invention is that a gas that is in equilibriumwith the ambient electromagnetic modes, which include thevacuum field (also known as the zero point field), is causedto enter a Casimir cavity. For the purposes of this entireinvention a Casimir cavity is defined as any region in whichthe electromagnetic modes are restricted. Upon approachingthis region, the electromagnetic modes that the space sup-ports are restricted and the energy of the electron orbitals ofthe gas atoms is reduced. As a consequence of this reductionthe excess energy is emitted and absorbed by the apparatus,providing heat energy. By the time the atoms are in theCasimir cavity, nearly all the excess energy has been radi-ated (unless the gas flow is extremely fast). The gas atomspass through the Casimir cavity, and upon emerging fromthis region to a region that supports a broader range ofelectromagnetic modes, the energy of the electron orbitals ofthe gas atoms is again allowed to rise to its previous value.The compensation for the energy deficit is provided from theambient electromagnetic modes.[0170] One of the tenets of the current invention is thatexcess energy released when the gas approaches the Casimircavity is delivered locally and that the energy deficit thatmust be compensated for when it emerges from the cavity issupplied from global sources. In this way the ambientelectromagnetic field is tapped to provide usable energy.There may be conditions in which it is possible that theexcess energy release and the deficit energy supply are bothlocal, in which case no net energy is provided. Similarly,there may be conditions in which it is possible that theexcess energy release and the deficit energy supply are bothglobal, in which case again no net energy is provided. Toavoid these possibilities, we provide an asymmetry in theapparatus to ensure that the excess energy is released locallyand that the energy deficit is supplied globally.[0171] The concept of embodiment is shown in FIG. 8.This figure depicts a channel 88, similar to that shown insome of the earlier embodiments. Gas is constricted betweentwo substrates 82 and 83 and flows through the channel inthe direction of the arrows. As in the previous cases, gasflows from a region in which the substrate is not coated 87with a conducting layer to a region in which it is 86. Thedifference here is that an intermediate region 84 is providedin which the substrates are coated with an absorbing layer.This absorbing region absorbs the excess energy that isradiated from the atoms as they approach the Casimir cavity(conducting) region. The absorbing region is not substan-tially conducting, and therefore does not substantiallyrestrict the electromagnetic modes that are supported in theregion. Upon exiting the Casimir cavity (conducting) region,the atoms pass immediately into another region with noabsorbing region 87. Thus upon approaching the Casimircavity the atoms are forced to deliver their excess energylocally because it is absorbed by the absorbing region 87.Upon emerging from the Casimir cavity the gas atoms areforced to supply their energy deficit non-locally, i.e., glo-bally, because there is no local source for this energy.


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[0172] As an option, a further aspect of this invention is tosituate the absorbing region within roughly one emissionwavelength of the gas atoms at the time that they areemitting. No such layer is provided within such a distancewhen the gas atoms emerge from the Casmir cavity and aresupplied with energy. The substrate is chosen such that itdoes not absorb the emission wavelengths.[0173] The absorbing layers may comprise glass (amor-phous silicon dioxide, usually with impurities), and thesubstrate may comprise sapphire. The glass has a muchbroader absorption band in the far infrared than does thesapphire. A wide range of other materials may be providedto form the absorbing layers and non-absorbing or lessabsorbing substrate. Such materials are known to thoseskilled in the art, and are available in tables and handbooks.[0174] The sequence of regions depicted in FIG. 8 may berepeated to form the sort of multiply striped structuredescribed in the embodiment of FIGS. 4A-4D.[0175] The dimensions of the channel and the apparatusare approximately the same as those of embodiment ofFIGS. 4A-4D. Similarly the attachments to provide for gasflow, the spacers, and other aspects of the apparatus aresimilar to those described in embodiment of FIGS. 4A-4D.The conducting layer length is chosen so that the emergingatoms do not have substantial access to radiation emittedfrom the absorbing regions. Note that, unlike embodiment ofFIG. 2, it is not necessary to surronnd the apparatus with ameans for absorbing the released energy 24, such as a waterbath.[0176] The device fabrication is not described explicitly asit is well known to those skilled in the art.[0177] It is to be nnderstood that the dimensions andmaterials can be varied greatly and still be part of thisinvention. The following is a list of some such variations,but it is far from exhaustive:[0178] i. The substrates may be other insulating orpartially conducting materials, such as silicon, glass,ceramic, plastic, etc.

[0179] ii. The conducting stripes can be formed of otherconductors, such as copper, aluminum, gold, sliver,silicides, transparent conductors such as indium tinoxide, etc.

[0180] iii. The stripes may be recessed in the substrateor they protrude from the surface.

[0181] iv. The individual devices may be sandwichedtogether to form thick structures. For example, in placeof the 250 micron thick substrates, micro-sheet havinga thickness of 50 microns or far less may be used so thatdense structures are formed.

[0182] v. The working fluid may be a wide variety ofgases, in addition to the noble gases described earlier,so that all mentions of gas atoms may be extended tomolecules of various types.

[0183] vi. The working fluid may be a liquid, so that allmentions of gases and gas atoms may be extended toliquids of various types. For operation within approxi-mately of 100 C., one possible liquid is ethyleneglycol. For high temperature operation, the liquid canbe sodium.

Oct. 18, 200711

[0184] vii. Micro-motors formed using micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) technology can be usedto pump the gas through the channels.

[0185] viii. The Casimir cavities may be composed ofcarbon nanotubes.

[0186] ix. The pattern may be formed using self-as-sembled layers.

[0187] The device may incorporate a naturally formedstructure. For example, diatom shells consisting of silicondioxide patterned with features, including holes, that are tensof nanometers in size. To the extent necessary, these can becoated as needed with conductors to form Casimir cavities.

REFERENCES[0188] Boyer, T. H. 1975, Random Electrodynamics: TheTheory of Classical Electrodynamics with Classical Zero-Point Radiation Field, Phys. Rev. D, 11,790.

[0189] Cole, D. C. and Puthoff, H. E. 1993, Extractingenergy and heat from the vacuum, Phys. Rev. E, 48, 2,1562.

[0190] Cole, D. C. and Zou, Yi 2003, Quantum Mechani-cal Gronnd State of Hydrogen Obtained from ClassicalElectrodynamics, Physics Letters A, Vol. 317, No. 1-2, pp.14-20 (13 Oct. 2003), quant-ph/0307154.

[0191] Cole, D. C. and Zou, Yi 2004, Analysis of OrbitalDecay Time for the Classical Hydrogen Atom Interactingwith Circularly Polarized Electromagnetic Radiation,Phys. Rev. E. 69 (1), 016601, pp. 1-12 (2004).

[0192] Forward, R. 1984, Extracting electrical energyfrom the vacuum by cohesion of charged foliated con-ductors, Phys. Rev. B, 30, 4, 1700.[0193] Goho, A., "Diatom Menagerie," Science News,Vol. 166, Jul. 17, 2004a, pp. 42-44, and references men-tioned therein.

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What is claimed is:1.A system for extracting and collecting electromagnetic

radiation from the ambient surroundings, comprising:


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(a) a supply of fluid characterized by its ability to (i) takein electromagnetic radiation from the ambient sur-roundings and (ii) release at least some of said energywhen the fluid is caused to pass into a Casimir cavity;

(b) a first arrangement configured to collect at least someof the electromagnetic radiation released by said fluid;

(c) a second arrangement including means defining agiven path for containing said fluid along said path;

(d) a third arrangement including a Casimir cavity posi-t ioned within said given path and cooperating with saidsecond arrangement such that said fluid is caused topass into and out of the cavity as the fluid is containedalong said given path, said Casimir cavity being posi-tioned in sufficient communication with the ambientsurroundings and with said first arrangement so as to (i)cause said fluid containing electromagnetic energytaken from the ambient surroundings to release at leastsome of said energy to said first arrangement when thefluid passes into said cavity and (ii) to again take inelectromagnetic energy from the ambient surroundingswhen the fluid passes out of said cavity.

2. A system according to claim 1 wherein said secondarrangement is configured such that said fluid is caused toflow along said path into and out of said Casimir cavity.3. A system according to claim 1wherein said second andthird arrangements are configured such that said Casimir

cavity is caused to move with respect to said fluid such thatthe fluid is in tum caused to pass into and out of said Casimircavity.4. A system according to claim 1 wherein said meansdefining said given path defines a closed passageway for

containing said fluid and wherein said second arrangementis configured such that the same fluid is caused to cycle intoand out of said Casimir cavity.5. A system according to claim 4 wherein said passagewaydefines a looped path and wherein said second arrangementincludes a mechanism configured to cause said fluid to flowaround said path through said passageway into and out ofsaid Casimir cavity.6. A system according to claim 4 wherein said second

arrangement includes a mechanism for causing said fluid toflow back and forth through said passageway into and out ofsaid Casimir cavity.7. A system according to claim 1wherein said fluid is a

gas.8. A system according to claim 7 wherein said gas is a

monatomic gas.9. A system according to claim 7 wherein said gas is a

molecular gas.10. A system according to claim 1 wherein said first

arrangement includes a container of material for absorbingelectromagnetic energy, said absorbing material surroundingat least said Casimir cavity.11. A system according to claim 6 wherein said absorbing

material is a liquid.12. A system according to claim 11 wherein said liquid

material is water.13. A system according to claim 3 wherein said third

arrangements configured so as to cause said Casimir cavityto move back and forth between first and second spacedapart positions.14. A system according to claim 1wherein said Casimir

cavity includes opposing walls and wherein said third

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arrangement is configured so as to cause the position of saidCasimir cavity walls to move back and forth between firstand second spaced positions.15. A system for extracting and collecting electromagnetic

energy from the ambient electromagnetic quantum vacuum,comprising:(a) a first arrangement defining at least one Casimir cavityconfigured to cause gas containing electromagneticenergy obtained from the ambient electromagneticquantum vacuum to release at least some of said energywhen said gas is passed into said cavity;

(b) a second arrangement located in the ambient electro-magnetic quantum vacuum and including a source ofsaid gas and a mechanism cooperating with said firstarrangement so as to cause said gas to pass from theambient electromagnetic quantum vacuum into saidCasimir cavity and then out of said cavity and back intothe ambient electromagnetic quantum vacuum,whereby the gas when passing into said Casimir cavityreleases at least some of its energy and then, uponpassing back into the ambient electromagnetic quantumvacuum, again takes in electromagnetic energy fromthe ambient electromagnetic quantum vacuum, saidmeans and said first arrangement cooperating with oneanother such that said fluid passes into and out of saidCasimir cavity by relative movement between the cav-ity and gas; and

(c) a third arrangement for capturing at least some of theelectromagnetic energy released by said fluid, said thirdarrangement including means located in a posit ion withrespect to said Casimir cavity such that at least some ofthe electromagnetic energy released by said gas iscaptured by said absorber.

16. A system, comprising:(a) a first arrangement including a number of Casimircavities, each of which is configured to cause fluidcontaining electromagnetic energy obtained from theambient surroundings to release at least some of saidenergy when said fluid is passed into said cavity;

(b) a second arrangement located in the ambient surround-ings and including a source of said fluid and meanscooperating with said first arrangement for causing saidfluid to pass from the ambient surroundings into each ofsaid Casimir cavities and then out of the cavity andback into the ambient surroundings, whereby the fluidwhen passing into said Casimir cavit ies releases at leastsome of its energy and then, upon passing back into theambient surroundings, again takes in electromagneticenergy from the ambient surroundings, said means andsaid first arrangement cooperating with one anothersuch that said fluid passes into and out of said Casimircavities by relative movement between the cavities andfluid; and

(c) a third arrangement for capturing at least some of theelectromagnetic energy released by said fluid.

17. A system according to claim 16 wherein said meansincludes at least one fluid passageway extending from theambient surroundings into and though said Casimir cavitiesand back into the ambient surroundings and wherein saidCasimir cavit ies are defined by a series of conducting stripslocated within said passageway, said series of conducting


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strips including a first group of spaced apart strips located onone side of the passageway and a second groups of spacedapart strips on a opposite side of said passageway in align-ment with respective strips of said first group, each of saidaligned pair of strips being posit ioned relative to one anotherto produce a Casimir cavity.18. A method, comprising:(a) providing a first arrangement defining at least oneCasimir cavity configured to cause fluid containingelectromagnetic energy obtained from the ambient sur-roundings to release at least some of said energy whensaid fluid is passed into said cavity;

(b) providing a source of said fluid;(c) causing said fluid to pass from the ambient surround-ings into said Casimir cavity and then out of said cavityand back into the ambient surroundings such that thefluid when passing into said Casimir cavity releases atleast some of its energy and then, upon passing backinto the ambient surroundings, again takes in electro-magnetic energy from the ambient surroundings, saidfluid being cause to pass into and out of said Casimircavity by relative movement between the cavity andfluid; and

(c) capturing at least some of the electromagnetic energyreleased by said fluid.

19. A method of extracting and collecting electromagneticradiation from the ambient surroundings, comprising:(a) providing a supply of fluid characterized by its abili tyto (i) take in electromagnetic radiation from the ambi-ent surroundings and (ii) release at least some of saidenergy when the fluid is caused to pass into a Casimircavity;

(b) providing a first arrangement configured to collect atleast some of the electromagnetic radiation released bysaid fluid;

(c) providing a second arrangement including meansdefining a given path for containing said fluid alongsaid path;

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(d) providing a third arrangement including a Casimircavity positioned within said given path;

(e) causing said fluid to pass into and out of the cavity asthe fluid is contained along said given path; and

(f) posit ioning said Casimir cavity in sufficient commu-nication with the ambient surroundings and with saidfirst arrangement so as to (i) cause said fluid containingelectromagnetic energy taken from the ambient sur-roundings to release at least some of said energy to saidfirst arrangement when the fluid passes into said cavityand (ii) to again take in electromagnetic energy fromthe ambient surroundings when the fluid passes out ofsaid cavity.

20. A system, comprising:(a) a first arrangement defining at least one mechanismdesigned to cause the atoms and molecules making upa given fluid containing electromagnetic energyobtained from the ambient surroundings to change inconfiguration in a way which releases at least some ofsaid energy when said fluid is passed into said mecha-msm;

(b) a second arrangement located in the ambient surround-ings and including a source of said fluid and meanscooperating with said first arrangement for causing saidfluid to pass from the ambient surroundings into saidmechanism and then out of said mechanism and backinto the ambient surroundings, whereby the fluid whenpassing into said mechanism releases at least some ofits energy and then, upon passing back into the ambientsurroundings, again takes in electromagnetic energyfrom the ambient surroundings, said means and saidfirst arrangement cooperating with one another suchthat said fluid passes into and out of said mechanism byrelative movement between the mechanism and fluid;and

(c) a third arrangement for capturing at least some of theelectromagnetic energy released by said fluid.

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Quantum Vacuum Energy Extraction

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