Abstract
Curved space–times and, in particular, event horizons of astrophysical black holes are expected to excite the quantum vacuum and give rise to an emission of quanta known as Hawking radiation. Remarkably, many physical systems may be considered analogous to black holes and as such hold promise for the detection of Hawking radiation. In particular, recent progress in the field of transformation optics, i.e. the description of optical systems in terms of curved space–time geometries, has led to a detailed description of methods for generating, via superluminal dielectrics, a blocking horizon for photons. Our measurements highlight the emission of photons from a moving refractive index perturbation induced by a laser pulse that is in quantitative agreement with the Hawking model. This opens an intriguing and readily accessible observation window into quantum field theory in curved space–time geometries.
Highlights
Curved space–times and, in particular, event horizons of astrophysical black holes are expected to excite the quantum vacuum and give rise to an emission of quanta known as Hawking radiation
We have presented experimental results on the excitation of photons by means of a refractive index perturbation that travels at the same velocity as that of the excited emission
The dielectric perturbation is generated by an intense laser pulse that interacts with the medium through the nonlinear Kerr index
Summary
Ultrashort laser pulse filamentation may be defined as the creation of an intense laser pulse in a transparent Kerr medium (i.e. with a third-order optical nonlinearity) characterized by a high-intensity spike that propagates apparently without diffraction over distances much longer than the Rayleigh length associated with the spike transverse dimensions. Filaments may occur spontaneously, when a powerful Gaussian-shaped beam is loosely focused into the Kerr medium [20, 21], or alternatively they may be induced by preshaping the laser pulse into a Bessel beam [22, 23]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
