Heidelberg 2015 – scientific programme
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Q: Fachverband Quantenoptik und Photonik
Q 34: Quantum Effects: QED I
Q 34.2: Talk
Wednesday, March 25, 2015, 11:30–11:45, B/SR
Quantum Friction in Different Regimes — •Juliane Klatt and Stefan Y. Buhmann — Albert-Ludwig University, Freiburg
Quantum friction is the velocity-dependent force between two polarizable objects in relative motion, resulting from field-fluctuation mediated transfer of energy and momentum between them. Due to its short-ranged nature it has proven difficult to observe experimentally.
Theoretical attempts to determine the precise velocity-dependence of the quantum drag experienced by a polarizable atom moving parallel to a surface arrive at contradicting results. Scheel1 and Barton2 predict a force linear in relative velocity v, the former using the quantum regression theorem and the latter employing time-dependent perturbation theory. Intravaia3, however, predicts a v3 power-law starting from a non-equilibrium fluctuation-dissipation theorem.
In order to learn where exactly the above approaches part, we set out to perform all three calculations within one and the same framework: macroscopic QED. In addition, we include contributions to quantum friction from Doppler shift and Röntgen interaction, which play a role for perpendicular motion and retarded distances, respectively, and consider non-stationary states of atom and field.
[1] S. Scheel and S. Y. Buhmann, Phys. Rev. A 80 (2009)
[2] G. Barton, New J. Phys. 12 (2010)
[3] F. Intravaia et al., Phys. Rev. A 89 (2014)