A Dynamic Method for Measuring the van der Waals Forces between Macroscopic Bodies

A new method for measuring the van der Waals forces between macroscopic bodies is described. In contrast to previous static methods we developed a new dynamic technique with a considerably higher reproducibility, sensitivity, and accuracy. With this experimental setup the van der Waals force between various specimens has been determined. In this paper we present the results on borosilicate glass at distances between 0.08 and 1.2 μ which are in good agreement with theory.