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Progress in Quantum Electronics

Dressed photons in a new paradigm of off-shell quantum fields

Hirofumi Sakuma, Izumi Ojima, Motoichi Ohtsu

Published Jul 27, 2017• 14 citations
Publisher

Abstract

This article reviews recent progress in theoretical studies of dressed photons. For providing concrete physical images of dressed photons, several experimental studies are demonstrated. They are applications of dressed photons to novel optical functional devices, nano-fabrication technologies, energy conversion technologies, and photon breeding devices. After these experimental demonstrations, as the main part of this review, quantum-field theoretical formulation of dressed photons is attempted in use of the newly introduced Clebsch-dual variable of electromagnetic field. The reason for introducing the new formulation will be explained in the final section from the viewpoint to exhibit the contrast between free and interacting quantum fields in regard to their energy-momentum supports which are seldom touched upon (or forgotten) in the common physical discussions about quantum fields.

DOI
10.1016/j.pquantelec.2017.07.006

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Several interesting physical phenomena and industrial applications explained by the dressed photon have been reported in recent years. These require a novel concept in an off-shell science that deviates from the conventional optics, satisfying energy and momentum conservation laws. In this paper, starting from an original model that captures dressed-photon characteristics phenomenologically, the dynamics of the dressed photon in a nanomatter system and the mechanism for extracting internal degrees of freedom of the dressed photon to an external space have been examined by theoretical and numerical approaches. Our proposal is that basis states of the dressed photon can be transformed to the form that reflects the spatial distribution of the dressed-photon steady state in the system, and some of basis states with predetermined spatial distribution can relate to the dissipation components in the external space by means of the renormalization technique. From the results of numerical simulation, it is found that quasi-static states are regarded as the photon with light mass or massless, and the extraction of active states strongly affects the spatial distribution in a new steady state. The concept for extracting dressed-photon energy to an external space will contribute to a detailed understanding of dressed-photon physics and future industrial applications.

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This article reviews recent progress in theoretical studies of dressed photons. For providing concrete physical images of dressed photons, several experimental studies are demonstrated. They are applications of dressed photons to novel optical functional devices, nano-fabrication technologies, energy conversion technologies, and photon breeding devices. After these experimental demonstrations, as the main part of this review, quantum-field theoretical formulation of dressed photons is attempted in use of the newly introduced Clebsch-dual variable of electromagnetic field. The reason for introducing the new formulation will be explained in the final section from the viewpoint to exhibit the contrast between free and interacting quantum fields in regard to their energy-momentum supports which are seldom touched upon (or forgotten) in the common physical discussions about quantum fields.
Abstract On the very recent advancement of dressed photon studies A timely review of the emerging new phase of dressed photon (DP) studies, not yet prevailing in the global nanophotonic society, is given in contradistinction to its preceding incipient phase. A new theory on DPs crucially depends on a couple of important elements, namely, the knowledge on quantum field theory (QFT) having infinite degrees of freedom, notably on the micro-macro duality (MMD) theory developed by Ojima, and a newly proposed Clebsch dual (CD) electromagnetic field as a specific implementation of MMD theory. The main aim of the first part of this article after the introduction, the section of “In search of refinement of the theoretical models”, is twofold: to explain plainly, without resorting to mathematical equations, the essence of the highly mathematical contents of MMD theory, which clarifies a problematic aspect of the Schrödinger’s cat thought experiment, and to explain the physical meanings of the CD field. Preliminary study on the existence of DP light with spin zero In the section of “Observed “photon cluster” and light field with spin zero”, we briefly report a new intriguing experimental discovery implying the existence of propagating particle-like “quantum DP light” together with a conjecture on its possible theoretical explanation. A perspective on a variety of possible research directions for DPs is then briefly mentioned in the final section.
Several interesting physical phenomena and industrial applications explained by the dressed photon have been reported in recent years. These require a novel concept in an off-shell science that deviates from the conventional optics, satisfying energy and momentum conservation laws. In this paper, starting from an original model that captures dressed-photon characteristics phenomenologically, the dynamics of the dressed photon in a nanomatter system and the mechanism for extracting internal degrees of freedom of the dressed photon to an external space have been examined by theoretical and numerical approaches. Our proposal is that basis states of the dressed photon can be transformed to the form that reflects the spatial distribution of the dressed-photon steady state in the system, and some of basis states with predetermined spatial distribution can relate to the dissipation components in the external space by means of the renormalization technique. From the results of numerical simulation, it is found that quasi-static states are regarded as the photon with light mass or massless, and the extraction of active states strongly affects the spatial distribution in a new steady state. The concept for extracting dressed-photon energy to an external space will contribute to a detailed understanding of dressed-photon physics and future industrial applications.
After reviewing the nature of off-shell field and creation/measurement processes of DP, nanometer-sized optical logic gate devices are demonstrated that triggered rapid development of off-shell science. Next, two technologies are reviewed that exhibit novel phenomena of Table 1.1 . One is the nanofabrication technology. Its essential by-product is the successful estimation of the maximum size of the DP. The other is silicon light-emitting devices. It is pointed out that a cluster of photons emitted from these devices behaves as if it is a single photon. Portions of Chap. 2 have been reproduced from Ref. [15] (an open access article published under a CC BY license (Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License)), from Ref. [47] with permission from Elsevier, and from Sakuma, H., Ojima, I. and Ohtsu, M., Perspective on an Emerging Frontier of Nanoscience Opened up by Dressed Photon Studies. Nanoarchitectonics, 1, 1–23 (2024) (an open access article distributed under a CC BY license (Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License)).
Intensive studies on light–matter interactions and technological breakthroughs, especially conducted in the field of dressed photon research, have led to a growing concern regarding unsettled off-shell quantum field interactions. The Special Issue, entitled “Quantum Fields and Off-Shell Sciences”, was organized to promote the progress of such research activities from a wider perspective, not limited to dressed photon studies. This book contains excellent papers that were published in this Special Issue. It will provide scientific and technical information on the quantum fields and off-shell sciences to scientists, engineers, and students who are and will be engaged in this field.
The performances of photonic devices are getting closer to those required by quantum technology and a bridge may be created by substantial progress in our ability to control light-matter interactions. The dramatic advances of nanotechnology experienced in recent years have enabled us to fabricate optical nanostructures that greatly improve the conversion of localized electromagnetic energy into radiation and vice versa. We discuss how these may enable the implementation of novel light-matter interfaces for investigating and harnessing quantum optical effects and explain how unprecedented interaction regimes can be achieved.