Observation of the Dynamical Casimir Effect in a Superconducting Circuit

Details Observation of the Dynamical Casimir Effect in a Superconducting Circuit Observation of the Dynamical Casimir Effect in a Superconducting Circuit

2011-05-24

arxiv.org/abs/1105.4714v1

Nature 479, 376-379 (2011)

Physics

Quantum Physics

12 pages, 3 figures

Scientific paper

10.1038/nature10561

One of the most surprising predictions of modern quantum theory is that the vacuum of space is not empty. In fact, quantum theory predicts that it teems with virtual particles flitting in and out of existence. While initially a curiosity, it was quickly realized that these vacuum fluctuations had measurable consequences, for instance producing the Lamb shift of atomic spectra and modifying the magnetic moment for the electron. This type of renormalization due to vacuum fluctuations is now central to our understanding of nature. However, these effects provide indirect evidence for the existence of vacuum fluctuations. From early on, it was discussed if it might instead be possible to more directly observe the virtual particles that compose the quantum vacuum. 40 years ago, Moore suggested that a mirror undergoing relativistic motion could convert virtual photons into directly observable real photons. This effect was later named the dynamical Casimir effect (DCE). Using a superconducting circuit, we have observed the DCE for the first time. The circuit consists of a coplanar transmission line with an electrical length that can be changed at a few percent of the speed of light. The length is changed by modulating the inductance of a superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) at high frequencies (~11 GHz). In addition to observing the creation of real photons, we observe two-mode squeezing of the emitted radiation, which is a signature of the quantum character of the generation process.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

Observation of the Dynamical Casimir Effect in a Superconducting Circuit does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.

If you have personal experience with Observation of the Dynamical Casimir Effect in a Superconducting Circuit, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Observation of the Dynamical Casimir Effect in a Superconducting Circuit will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-515638