Abstract
Zero point density fluctuations in a liquid and their potential observation by light scattering are discussed. It is suggested that there are two distinct effects of interest. One gives an average number of scattered photons, and depends upon an inverse power of the photon wavelength. The second effect arises in the scattering of finite size photon wave packets and depends upon an inverse power of the spatial size of the wave packet. This effect appears as large fluctuations in the number of scattered photons, and is analogous to the vacuum fluctuations of spacetime averages of the energy density in quantum field theory.
Highlights
Zero point density fluctuations in a liquid and their potential observation by light scattering are discussed
Zero point fluctuations play an important role in several areas of physics, including both condensed matter physics and quantum field theory
The electric field or energy density at a single space-time point is not meaningful, but a space and time average is. This fact has a deep connection with quantum measurement and the principle that only observable quantities are physically meaningful
Summary
The second effect arises in the scattering of finite size photon wave packets and depends upon an inverse power of the spatial size of the wave packet, as well as upon the shape of the wave packet This effect appears as large fluctuations in the number of scattered photons, and is analogous to the vacuum fluctuations of space-time averages of the energy density in quantum field theory. [8], this effect may be viewed as Brillouin scattering by the density fluctuations, and the λ−0 5 dependence may be viewed as a product of a factor of λ−0 4, characteristic of Rayleigh-Brillouin scattering, and a factor of λ−0 1 ∝ ω arising from the frequency spectrum of zero point fluctuations This cross section was derived assuming that the initial and final photon states are plane waves. This averaging will be determined by the details of the wave packet and the scattering
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 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.
