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  • Open Access

Quantum friction through monolayers

Eivind Kristen Osestad1, Stefan Yoshi Buhmann2, and Johannes Fiedler1,*

  • *Contact author: johanes.fiedler@uib.no
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Phys. Rev. Research 8, 023037 – Published 13 April, 2026

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/787l-w86q

Abstract

Quantum friction is a friction force caused by electromagnetic fluctuations as an atom moves relative to macroscopic bodies. This effect is only predicted theoretically and requires high velocity and close proximity to give a significant signal. To date, experiments have not been able to measure this effect. Recent experiments with ultrafast atoms have sent neutral atoms through the crystal structure of monolayer graphene [Science 389, 724 (2025)]. We present a theoretical framework describing quantum friction as atoms pass through monolayers and calculate the force on helium passing through graphene. Once the atom passes the monolayer, we find that the velocity-dependent force no longer opposes the direction of motion due to strong interactions caused by having been closer to the monolayer in the past. For the experimental parameters, we find a kinetic energy loss caused by quantum friction on the order of ten to hundred µeV. We find that quantum friction cannot be measured with this setup with current techniques.

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Phys. Rev. Research 8, 023037– Published 13 April, 2026
  • Received 22 December 2025
  • Accepted 26 February 2026
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Published by the American Physical Society under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International license. Further distribution of this work must maintain attribution to the author(s) and the published article's title, journal citation, and DOI.

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