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arXiv:0910.3508 · Physical Review Letters

Quantum Radiation from Superluminal Refractive-Index Perturbations

F. Belgiorno, Sergio L. Cacciatori, G. Ortenzi, V. G. Sala, Daniele Faccio

Published Apr 8, 2010• 61 citations
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Abstract

We analyze in detail photon production induced by a superluminal refractive-index perturbation in realistic experimental operating conditions. The interaction between the refractive-index perturbation and the quantum vacuum fluctuations of the electromagnetic field leads to the production of photon pairs.
DOI
10.1103/physrevlett.104.140403

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We develop a perturbative theory that describes a superluminal refractive perturbation propagating in a dispersive medium and the subsequent excitation of the quantum vacuum zero-point fluctuations. We find a pro-cess similar to the anomalous Doppler effect: Photons are emitted in correlated pairs and mainly within a Cerenkov-like cone, one on the forward and the other in backward directions. The number of photon pairs emitted from the perturbation increases strongly with the degree of superluminality and under realizable experimental conditions; it can reach up to $\ensuremath{\sim}101010{}^{\ensuremath{-}2}$ photons per pulse. Moreover, it is, in principle, possible to engineer the host medium so as to modify the effective group refractive index. In the presence of ``fast-light'' media, e.g., a with group index smaller than unity, a further $\ensuremath{\sim}101010\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}$ enhancement may be achieved and the photon emission spectrum is characterized by two sharp peaks that, in future experiments, would clearly identify the correlated emission of photon pairs.
The propagation of light in dispersive media is a subject of fundamental as well as practical importance. In recent years attention has focused in particular on how refractive index can vary with frequency in such a way that the group velocities of optical pulses can be much greater or much smaller than the speed of light in vacuum, or in which the refractive index can be negative. Treating these topics at an introductory to intermediate level, Fast Light, Slow Light and Left-Handed Light focuses on the basic theory and describes the significant experimental progress made during the past decade. The book pays considerable attention to the fact that superluminal group velocities are not in conflict with special relativity and to the role of quantum effects in preventing superluminal communication and violations of Einstein causality. It also explores some of the basic physics at the opposite extreme of very slow group velocities as well as stopped and regenerated light, including the concepts of electromagnetically induced transparency and dark-state polaritons. Another very active aspect of the subject discussed concerns the possibility of designing metamaterials in which the refractive index can be negative and propagating light is left-handed in the sense that the phase and group velocities are in opposite directions. The last two chapters are an introduction to some of the basic theory and consequences of negative refractive index, with emphasis on the seminal work carried out since 2000. The possibility that "perfect" lenses can be made from negative-index metamaterials-which has been perhaps the most controversial aspect of the field-is introduced and discussed in some detail.