Low-frequency character of the Casimir force between metallic films.

The frequency spectrum of the finite temperature correction to the Casimir force can be determined by use of the Lifshitz formalism for metallic plates of finite conductivity. We show that the correction for the TE electromagnetic modes is dominated by frequencies so low that the plates cannot be modeled as ideal dielectrics. We also address issues relating to the behavior of electromagnetic fields at the surfaces and within metallic conductors, and calculate the surface modes using appropriate low-frequency metallic boundary conditions. Our result brings the thermal correction into agreement with experimental results that were previously obtained. We suggest a series of measurements that will test the veracity of our analysis.