Shaping Dynamical Casimir Photons

Journal Article · Sun Jun 06 00:00:00 EDT 2021 · Universe

DOI:https://doi.org/10.3390/universe7060189· OSTI ID:1786732

Dalvit, Diego A. R.; Kort-Kamp, Wilton J. M.

Temporal modulation of the quantum vacuum through fast motion of a neutral body or fast changes of its optical properties is known to promote virtual into real photons, the so-called dynamical Casimir effect. Empowering modulation protocols with spatial control could enable the shaping of spectral, spatial, spin, and entanglement properties of the emitted photon pairs. Space–time quantum metasurfaces have been proposed as a platform to realize this physics via modulation of their optical properties. Here, we report the mechanical analog of this phenomenon by considering systems in which the lattice structure undergoes modulation in space and in time. We develop a microscopic theory that applies both to moving mirrors with a modulated surface profile and atomic array meta-mirrors with perturbed lattice configuration. Spatiotemporal modulation enables motion-induced generation of co- and cross-polarized photon pairs that feature frequency-linear momentum entanglement as well as vortex photon pairs featuring frequency-angular momentum entanglement. The proposed space–time dynamical Casimir effect can be interpreted as induced dynamical asymmetry in the quantum vacuum.

• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• OSTI ID: 1786732
• Alternate ID(s): OSTI ID: 3003168
• Journal Information: Universe, Journal Name: Universe Journal Issue: 6 Vol. 7; ISSN 2218-1997; ISSN UNIVB9
• Publisher: MDPI AG
• Country of Publication: Switzerland
• Language: English