Abstract
Dark energy with negative pressure and positive energy density is believed to be responsible for the accelerated expansion of the universe. Quite a few theoretical models of dark energy are based on tachyonic fields interacting with itself and normal (bradyonic) matter. Here we propose an experimental model of tachyonic dark energy based on hyperbolic metamaterials. Wave equation describing propagation of extraordinary light inside hyperbolic metamaterials exhibits 2+1 dimensional Lorentz symmetry. The role of time in the corresponding effective 3D Minkowski spacetime is played by the spatial coordinate aligned with the optical axis of the metamaterial. Nonlinear optical Kerr effect bends this spacetime resulting in effective gravitational force between extraordinary photons. We demonstrate that this model has a self-interacting tachyonic sector having negative effective pressure and positive effective energy density. Moreover, a composite multilayer SiC-Si hyperbolic metamaterial exhibits closely separated tachyonic and bradyonic sectors in the long wavelength infrared range. This system may be used as a laboratory model of inflation and late time acceleration of the universe.
Highlights
Recent observational data have revealed accelerated expansion of the universe which cannot be explained by gravitational dynamics of ordinary matter
Since this dynamics may have contributed to inflation and late time acceleration of our universe [3,5], such experiments may assist in refining theoretical models
Before we proceed to a model of interacting tachyonic fields, let us recall basic properties of hyperbolic metamaterials and their description using effective 2 + 1 dimensional Minkowski spacetime
Summary
Recent observational data have revealed accelerated expansion of the universe which cannot be explained by gravitational dynamics of ordinary matter. Motivated by these open questions and recent developments in electromagnetic metamaterials, we propose a hyperbolic metamaterial system which enables experimental study of gravitational dynamics of interacting tachyonic and bradyonic fields Since this dynamics may have contributed to inflation and late time acceleration of our universe [3,5], such experiments may assist in refining theoretical models. Negative self-defocusing Kerr effect typically arises due to thermal expansion of the medium, which makes the effective 2 + 1 dimensional gravity a thermal effect obeying basic laws of thermodynamics This feature of our model appears to be very attractive since recent theoretical developments strongly indicate thermodynamic origins of gravitational interaction [13,14]
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.
