Abstract
Inclusions embedded in fluctuating fluid membranes have been shown to experience membrane mediated forces decaying as 1/R4. Modeling the inclusions as local constraints on the membrane curvature tensor, we show that the presence of external torques (mechanical or field-induced) strongly enhances and increases the range of the interactions. Repulsive mean-field contributions and attractive fluctuation (Casimir) contributions of range 1/R2 or longer are found, which may combine to yield equilibrium distances.