Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astrophysics – General Relativity and Quantum Cosmology
Scientific paper
2000-09-14
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astrophysics
General Relativity and Quantum Cosmology
Latex2e, 237 pages, 36 figures. Ph.D. Thesis
Scientific paper
In this thesis, we investigate quantum vacuum effects in the presence of gravitational fields. After discussing the general theory of vacuum effects in strong fields we apply it to the relevant issue of the interaction of the quantum vacuum with black hole geometries. In particular we consider the long-standing problem of the interpretation of gravitational entropy. After these investigations, we discuss the possible experimental tests of particle creation from the quantum vacuum. This leads us to study acoustic geometries and their way of ``simulating'' gravitational structures, such as horizons and black holes. We study the stability of these structures and the problems related to setting up experimental detection of ``phonon Hawking flux'' from acoustic horizons. This line of research then leads us to propose a new model for explaining the emission of light in the phenomenon of Sonoluminescence, based on the dynamical Casimir effect. This is possibly amenable to experimental investigation. Finally we consider high energy phenomena in the early universe. In particular we discuss inflation and possible alternative frameworks for solving the cosmological puzzles.
No associations
LandOfFree
Vacuum Effects in Gravitational Fields: Theory and Detectability 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 Vacuum Effects in Gravitational Fields: Theory and Detectability, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Vacuum Effects in Gravitational Fields: Theory and Detectability will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-566925