Probing quantum field theory particle mixing and dark-matter-like effects with Rydberg atoms

A Capolupo,G Lambiase,S M Giampaolo,A Quaranta

doi:10.1140/epjc/s10052-020-7959-x

A Capolupo, G Lambiase + Show 2 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1140/epjc/s10052-020-7959-x

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Abstract

We analyze the oscillations of Rydberg atoms in the framework of quantum field theory and analyze the analogy with flavor mixing and oscillations. We reveal a non trivial vacuum energy which has the equation of state analogous to that of cold dark matter. This energy is formally similar to that expected for mixed neutrinos and affects the thermal capacity of the gas. Therefore, deflection of the thermal capacity of Rydberg atoms could prove the condensate structure of vacuum for mixing fermions and open new scenarios in the study of the dark components of the universe. We also derive new Rabi oscillation formulae which are, in principle, testable experimentally.

Highlights

A test of the contribution of the condensate of mixed fermions, like neutrinos, to the dark matter, is extremely hard to be achieved
We reveal a non trivial vacuum energy which has the equation of state analogous to that of cold dark matter
We have proved that the Quantum Field Theory (QFT) of independent Rydberg atoms interacting with a laser light is formally equivalent to that of fermion mixing

Summary

Introduction

A test of the contribution of the condensate of mixed fermions, like neutrinos, to the dark matter, is extremely hard to be achieved. It would be of great interest to individuate an analogous physical system that could be, in principle, controlled in laboratory We identify such a system with an ensemble of independent Rydberg atoms [22] interacting with a laser light. The eventual detection of a small deviation from the expected profile of the thermal capacity of such atoms should demonstrate the existence of the condensate in mixed particle systems and should prove that a component of the dark matter is represented by quantum vacuum energy. 2, we prove the formal equivalence between the QFT of the ensemble of independent Rydberg atoms interacting with a laser and two flavor fermion mixing.

QFT of Rydberg atoms

QFT effects in Rydberg atoms

Dark matter – like thermal capacity

QFT Rabi oscillation

Findings

Conclusions