
The Casimir force has been computed exactly for only a few simple geometries, such as infinite plates, cylinders, and spheres. We show that a parabolic cylinder, for which analytic solutions to the Helmholtz equation are available, is another case where such a calculation is possible. We compute the interaction energy of a parabolic cylinder and an infinite plate (both perfect mirrors), as a function of their separation and inclination, $H$ and $θ$, and the cylinder's parabolic radius $R$. As $H/R\to 0$, the proximity force approximation becomes exact. The opposite limit of $R/H\to 0$ corresponds to a semi-infinite plate, where the effects of edge and inclination can be probed.
5 pages, 3 figures, uses RevTeX; v2: expanded conclusions; v3: fixed missing factor in Eq. (3) and incorrect diagram label (no changes to results); v4: fix similar factor in Eq. (16) (again no changes to results)
High Energy Physics - Theory, Quantum Physics, Statistical Mechanics (cond-mat.stat-mech), High Energy Physics - Theory (hep-th), FOS: Physical sciences, Quantum Physics (quant-ph), Condensed Matter - Statistical Mechanics
High Energy Physics - Theory, Quantum Physics, Statistical Mechanics (cond-mat.stat-mech), High Energy Physics - Theory (hep-th), FOS: Physical sciences, Quantum Physics (quant-ph), Condensed Matter - Statistical Mechanics
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