34 research outputs found
Table-top creation of entangled multi-keV photon pairs via the Unruh effect
Electrons moving in a strong periodic electromagnetic field (e.g., laser or
undulator) may convert quantum vacuum fluctuations into pairs of entangled
photons, which can be understood as a signature of the Unruh effect. Apart from
verifying this striking phenomenon, the considered effect may allow the
construction of a table-top source for entangled photons (``photon pair
laser'') and the associated quantum-optics applications in the multi-keV regime
with near-future facilities. 04.62.+v, 12.20.Fv, 41.60.-m, 42.50.Dv.Comment: 4 pages, 1 figur
Signatures of the Unruh effect from electrons accelerated by ultra-strong laser fields
We calculate the radiation resulting from the Unruh effect for strongly
accelerated electrons and show that the photons are created in pairs whose
polarizations are maximally entangled. Apart from the photon statistics, this
quantum radiation can further be discriminated from the classical (Larmor)
radiation via the different spectral and angular distributions. The signatures
of the Unruh effect become significant if the external electromagnetic field
accelerating the electrons is not too far below the Schwinger limit and might
be observable with future facilities. Finally, the corrections due to the
birefringent nature of the QED vacuum at such ultra-high fields are discussed.
PACS: 04.62.+v, 12.20.Fv, 41.60.-m, 42.25.Lc.Comment: 4 pages, 1 figur
On the feasibility of a nuclear exciton laser
Nuclear excitons known from M\"ossbauer spectroscopy describe coherent
excitations of a large number of nuclei -- analogous to Dicke states (or Dicke
super-radiance) in quantum optics. In this paper, we study the possibility of
constructing a laser based on these coherent excitations. In contrast to the
free electron laser (in its usual design), such a device would be based on
stimulated emission and thus might offer certain advantages, e.g., regarding
energy-momentum accuracy. Unfortunately, inserting realistic parameters, the
window of operability is probably not open (yet) to present-day technology --
but our design should be feasible in the UV regime, for example.Comment: 7 pages RevTeX, 4 figure
Pion and muon production in electron-positron photon plasma
We study production and equilibration of pions and muons in relativistic
electron-positron-photon plasma at a temperature . We argue
that the observation of pions and muons can be a diagnostic tool in the study
of the initial properties of such a plasma formed by means of strong laser
fields. Conversely, properties of muons and pions in thermal environment become
accessible to precise experimental study.Comment: 16 pages, v3 imporved presentation in response to PRD review, v4
minor corrections presumably the "to be" published versio