Quantum properties of the Dirac field on BTZ black hole backgrounds

We consider a Dirac field on a $(1 + 2)$-dimensional uncharged BTZ black hole background. We first find out the Dirac Hamiltonian, and study its self-adjointness properties. We find that, in analogy to the Kerr-Newman-AdS Dirac Hamiltonian in $(1+3)$ dimensions, essential self-adjointness on $C_0^{\infty}(r_+,\infty)^2$ of the reduced (radial) Hamiltonian is implemented only if a suitable relation between the mass $\mu$ of the Dirac field and the cosmological radius $l$ holds true. The very presence of a boundary-like behaviour of $r=\infty$ is at the root of this problem. Also, we determine in a complete way qualitative spectral properties for the non-extremal case, for which we can infer the absence of quantum bound states for the Dirac field. Next, we investigate the possibility of a quantum loss of angular momentum for the $(1 + 2)$-dimensional uncharged BTZ black hole. Unlike the corresponding stationary four-dimensional solutions, the formal treatment of the level crossing mechanism is much simpler. We find that, even in the extremal case, no level crossing takes place. Therefore, no quantum loss of angular momentum via particle pair production is allowed.Comment: 19 pages; IOP styl

Experimental quantum cosmology in time-dependent optical media

It is possible to construct artificial spacetime geometries for light by using intense laser pulses that modify the spatiotemporal properties of an optical medium. Here we theoretically investigate experimental possibilities for studying spacetime metrics of the form $\textrm{d}s^2=c^2\textrm{d}t^2-\eta(t)^2\textrm{d}x^2$. By tailoring the laser pulse shape and medium properties, it is possible to create a refractive index variation $n=n(t)$ that can be identified with $\eta(t)$. Starting from a perturbative solution to a generalised Hopfield model for the medium described by an $n=n(t)$ we provide estimates for the number of photons generated by the time-dependent spacetime. The simplest example is that of a uniformly varying $\eta(t)$ that therefore describes the Robertson-Walker metric, i.e. a cosmological expansion. The number of photon pairs generated in experimentally feasible conditions appears to be extremely small. However, large photon production can be obtained by periodically modulating the medium and thus resorting to a resonant enhancement similar to that observed in the dynamical Casimir effect. Curiously, the spacetime metric in this case closely resembles that of a gravitational wave. Motivated by this analogy we show that a periodic gravitational wave can indeed act as an amplifier for photons. The emission for an actual gravitational wave will be very weak but should be readily observable in the laboratory analogue.Comment: Version accepted fro publication in New Journal of Physic

Quantum instability for charged scalar particles on charged Nariai and ultracold black hole manifolds

We analyze in detail the quantum instability which characterizes charged scalar field on three special de Sitter charged black hole backgrounds. In particular, we compute exactly the imaginary part of the effective action for scalar charged fields on the ultracold I, ultracold II and Nariai charged black hole backgrounds. Both the transmission coefficient approach and the $\zeta$-function approach are exploited. Thermal effects on this quantum instability are also taken into account in presence of a non-zero black hole temperature (ultracold I and Nariai).Comment: 20 pages, IOP styl

Quantum Effects for the Dirac Field in Reissner-Nordstrom-AdS Black Hole Background

The behavior of a charged massive Dirac field on a Reissner-Nordstrom-AdS black hole background is investigated. The essential self-adjointness of the Dirac Hamiltonian is studied. Then, an analysis of the discharge problem is carried out in analogy with the standard Reissner-Nordstrom black hole case.Comment: 18 pages, 5 figures, Iop styl

Absence of Normalizable Time-periodic Solutions for The Dirac Equation in Kerr-Newman-dS Black Hole Background

We consider the Dirac equation on the background of a Kerr-Newman-de Sitter black hole. By performing variable separation, we show that there exists no time-periodic and normalizable solution of the Dirac equation. This conclusion holds true even in the extremal case. With respect to previously considered cases, the novelty is represented by the presence, together with a black hole event horizon, of a cosmological (non degenerate) event horizon, which is at the root of the possibility to draw a conclusion on the aforementioned topic in a straightforward way even in the extremal case.Comment: 12 pages. AMS styl

Removal of contaminants of emerging concern from real wastewater by an innovative hybrid membrane process - UltraSound, Adsorption, and Membrane ultrafiltration (USAMe®).

Abstract The low-level presence of emerging contaminants (ECs) in the environment has raised a great concern due to their persistence, chronic toxicological, and endocrine disrupting effects on terrestrial and aquatic organisms. Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) have become hotspots for the spread of these contaminants to the environment as conventional processes are not efficient in removing them. Thus, the integration of advanced treatment methods within the chain of WWTPs is very essential. In this study, the innovative hybrid process USAMe® which integrates ultrasound irradiation (US), adsorption (A) and membrane filtration (Me) was investigated for the removal of ECs from secondary effluents. Diclofenac, carbamazepine, and amoxicillin were selected due to their large consumption and frequent presence in the aquatic environment. All three ECs were spiked into real secondary wastewater effluent at two concentrations of 10 ppm and 100 ppb. Membrane ultrafiltration and its combination with US (USMe) or adsorption (AMe) were also studied as control tests. The hybrid combination of all the three methods in the USAMe® processes elevated the EC removals to above 99% as compared to only around 90% in the AMe process. All effluents of the hybrid USAMe® processes gave "No Effect" to D. magna, with immobilization of ≤20%. Therefore, results showed that the USAMe® process was efficient in not only removing ECs, but also in generating safe and less toxic treated effluents; thereby displaying its potential as an advanced method for wastewater treatment

Blackbody emission from light interacting with an effective moving dispersive medium

Intense laser pulses excite a nonlinear polarisation response that may create an effective flowing medium and, under appropriate conditions, a blocking horizon for light. Here we analyse in detail the interaction of light with such laser-induced flowing media, fully accounting for the medium dispersion properties. An analytical model based on a first Born-approximation is found to be in excellent agreement with numerical simulations based on Maxwell's equations and shows that when a blocking horizon is formed, the stimulated medium scatters light with a blackbody emission spectrum. Based on these results, diamond is proposed as a promising candidate medium for future studies of Hawking emission from artificial, dispersive horizons

Divergences problem in black hole brick-wall model

In this work we review, in the framework of the so-called brick wall model, the divergence problem arising in the one loop calculations of various thermodynamical quantities, like entropy, internal energy and heat capacity. Particularly we find that, if one imposes that entanglement entropy is equal to the Bekenstein-Hawking one, the model gives problematic results. Then a proposal of solution to the divergence problem is made following the zeroth law of black hole mechanics.Comment: 19 pages, reviseted-extended version accepted by Phys. Rev.

Hawking Radiation Entropy and Horizon Divergences

We review the problem of divergences in one--loop thermodynamical quantities for matter fields in thermal equilibrium on a black hole background. We discuss a number of results obtained for various thermodynamical quantities. Then we discuss the ansatz called ``literal interpretation" of zeroth law of black hole mechanics and try to explain the diseases of the conical defect procedure in light of this ansatz. Finally, an analysis of the consequences implied by our ansatz on the calculation of the partition function is made.Comment: 32 pages, uses Phyzz

Quantum entropy of the Kerr black hole arising from gravitational perturbation

The quantum entropy of the Kerr black hole arising from gravitational perturbation is investigated by using Null tetrad and \'t Hooft\'s brick-wall model. It is shown that effect of the graviton\'s spins on the subleading correction is dependent of the square of the spins and the angular momentum per unit mass of the black hole, and contribution of the logarithmic term to the entropy will be positive, zero, and negative for different value of $a/r_+$.Comment: 8 pages, 1 figure, Latex. to appear in Phys. Rev.