Accelerated detector-quantum field correlations: From vacuum fluctuations to radiation flux

Shih-Yuin Lin and B. L. Hu
Phys. Rev. D 73, 124018 – Published 14 June 2006

Abstract

In this paper we analyze the interaction of a uniformly accelerated detector with a quantum field in (3+1)D spacetime, aiming at the issue of how kinematics can render vacuum fluctuations the appearance of thermal radiance in the detector (Unruh effect) and how they engender flux of radiation for observers afar. Two basic questions are addressed in this study: (a) How are vacuum fluctuations related to the emitted radiation? (b) Is there emitted radiation with energy flux in the Unruh effect? We adopt a method which places the detector and the field on an equal footing and derive the two-point correlation functions of the detector and of the field separately with full account of their interplay. From the exact solutions, we are able to study the complete process from the initial transient to the final steady state, keeping track of all activities they engage in and the physical effects manifested. We derive a quantum radiation formula for a Minkowski observer. We find that there does exist a positive radiated power of quantum nature emitted by the detector, with a hint of certain features of the Unruh effect. We further verify that the total energy of the dressed detector and a part of the radiated energy from the detector is conserved. However, this part of the radiation ceases in steady state. So the hint of the Unruh effect in radiated power is actually not directly from the energy flux that the detector experiences in Unruh effect. Since all the relevant quantum and statistical information about the detector (atom) and the field can be obtained from the results presented here, they are expected to be useful, when appropriately generalized, for addressing issues of quantum information processing in atomic and optical systems, such as quantum decoherence, entanglement, and teleportation.

  • Figure
  • Figure
  • Figure
  • Figure
  • Figure
  • Figure
  • Figure
4 More
  • Received 12 July 2005

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevD.73.124018

©2006 American Physical Society

Authors & Affiliations

Shih-Yuin Lin* and B. L. Hu

  • Center for Quantum and Gravitational Physics, Institute of Physics, Academia Sinica, Nankang, Taipei 11529, Taiwan and Department of Physics, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742-4111, USA

  • *Electronic address: sylin@phys.sinica.edu.tw
  • Electronic address: hub@physics.umd.edu

Article Text (Subscription Required)

Click to Expand

References (Subscription Required)

Click to Expand
Issue

Vol. 73, Iss. 12 — 15 June 2006

Reuse & Permissions
Access Options
Author publication services for translation and copyediting assistance advertisement

Authorization Required


×
×

Images

×

Sign up to receive regular email alerts from Physical Review D

Log In

Cancel
×

Search


Article Lookup

Paste a citation or DOI

Enter a citation
×