1,786 research outputs found
N-Photon wave packets interacting with an arbitrary quantum system
We present a theoretical framework that describes a wave packet of light
prepared in a state of definite photon number interacting with an arbitrary
quantum system (e.g. a quantum harmonic oscillator or a multi-level atom).
Within this framework we derive master equations for the system as well as for
output field quantities such as quadratures and photon flux. These results are
then generalized to wave packets with arbitrary spectral distribution
functions. Finally, we obtain master equations and output field quantities for
systems interacting with wave packets in multiple spatial and/or polarization
modes.Comment: 20 pages, 8 figures. Published versio
The river model of black holes
This paper presents an under-appreciated way to conceptualize stationary
black holes, which we call the river model. The river model is mathematically
sound, yet simple enough that the basic picture can be understood by
non-experts. %that can by understood by non-experts. In the river model, space
itself flows like a river through a flat background, while objects move through
the river according to the rules of special relativity. In a spherical black
hole, the river of space falls into the black hole at the Newtonian escape
velocity, hitting the speed of light at the horizon. Inside the horizon, the
river flows inward faster than light, carrying everything with it. We show that
the river model works also for rotating (Kerr-Newman) black holes, though with
a surprising twist. As in the spherical case, the river of space can be
regarded as moving through a flat background. However, the river does not
spiral inward, as one might have anticipated, but rather falls inward with no
azimuthal swirl at all. Instead, the river has at each point not only a
velocity but also a rotation, or twist. That is, the river has a Lorentz
structure, characterized by six numbers (velocity and rotation), not just three
(velocity). As an object moves through the river, it changes its velocity and
rotation in response to tidal changes in the velocity and twist of the river
along its path. An explicit expression is given for the river field, a
six-component bivector field that encodes the velocity and twist of the river
at each point, and that encapsulates all the properties of a stationary
rotating black hole.Comment: 16 pages, 4 figures. The introduction now refers to the paper of
Unruh (1981) and the extensive work on analog black holes that it spawned.
Thanks to many readers for feedback that called attention to our omissions.
Submitted to the American Journal of Physic
- …