The Casimir Effect for Fermions in One Dimension
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ABSTRACT Investigation Into Compactified Dimensions: Casimir
ABSTRACT Investigation into Compactified Dimensions: Casimir Energies and Phenomenological Aspects Richard K. Obousy, Ph.D. Chairperson: Gerald B. Cleaver, Ph.D. The primary focus of this dissertation is the study of the Casimir effect and the possibility that this phenomenon may serve as a mechanism to mediate higher dimensional stability, and also as a possible mechanism for creating a small but non- zero vacuum energy density. In chapter one we review the nature of the quantum vacuum and discuss the different contributions to the vacuum energy density arising from different sectors of the standard model. Next, in chapter two, we discuss cosmology and the introduction of the cosmological constant into Einstein's field equations. In chapter three we explore the Casimir effect and study a number of mathematical techniques used to obtain a finite physical result for the Casimir energy. We also review the experiments that have verified the Casimir force. In chapter four we discuss the introduction of extra dimensions into physics. We begin by reviewing Kaluza Klein theory, and then discuss three popular higher dimensional models: bosonic string theory, large extra dimensions and warped extra dimensions. Chapter five is devoted to an original derivation of the Casimir energy we derived for the scenario of a higher dimensional vector field coupled to a scalar field in the fifth dimension. In chapter six we explore a range of vacuum scenarios and discuss research we have performed regarding moduli stability. Chapter seven explores a novel approach to spacecraft propulsion we have proposed based on the idea of manipulating the extra dimensions of string/M theory. -
Introductory Lectures on Quantum Field Theory
Introductory Lectures on Quantum Field Theory a b L. Álvarez-Gaumé ∗ and M.A. Vázquez-Mozo † a CERN, Geneva, Switzerland b Universidad de Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain Abstract In these lectures we present a few topics in quantum field theory in detail. Some of them are conceptual and some more practical. They have been se- lected because they appear frequently in current applications to particle physics and string theory. 1 Introduction These notes are based on lectures delivered by L.A.-G. at the 3rd CERN–Latin-American School of High- Energy Physics, Malargüe, Argentina, 27 February–12 March 2005, at the 5th CERN–Latin-American School of High-Energy Physics, Medellín, Colombia, 15–28 March 2009, and at the 6th CERN–Latin- American School of High-Energy Physics, Natal, Brazil, 23 March–5 April 2011. The audience on all three occasions was composed to a large extent of students in experimental high-energy physics with an important minority of theorists. In nearly ten hours it is quite difficult to give a reasonable introduction to a subject as vast as quantum field theory. For this reason the lectures were intended to provide a review of those parts of the subject to be used later by other lecturers. Although a cursory acquaintance with the subject of quantum field theory is helpful, the only requirement to follow the lectures is a working knowledge of quantum mechanics and special relativity. The guiding principle in choosing the topics presented (apart from serving as introductions to later courses) was to present some basic aspects of the theory that present conceptual subtleties. -
What Is the Dirac Equation?
What is the Dirac equation? M. Burak Erdo˘gan ∗ William R. Green y Ebru Toprak z July 15, 2021 at all times, and hence the model needs to be first or- der in time, [Tha92]. In addition, it should conserve In the early part of the 20th century huge advances the L2 norm of solutions. Dirac combined the quan- were made in theoretical physics that have led to tum mechanical notions of energy and momentum vast mathematical developments and exciting open operators E = i~@t, p = −i~rx with the relativis- 2 2 2 problems. Einstein's development of relativistic the- tic Pythagorean energy relation E = (cp) + (E0) 2 ory in the first decade was followed by Schr¨odinger's where E0 = mc is the rest energy. quantum mechanical theory in 1925. Einstein's the- Inserting the energy and momentum operators into ory could be used to describe bodies moving at great the energy relation leads to a Klein{Gordon equation speeds, while Schr¨odinger'stheory described the evo- 2 2 2 4 lution of very small particles. Both models break −~ tt = (−~ ∆x + m c ) : down when attempting to describe the evolution of The Klein{Gordon equation is second order, and does small particles moving at great speeds. In 1927, Paul not have an L2-conservation law. To remedy these Dirac sought to reconcile these theories and intro- shortcomings, Dirac sought to develop an operator1 duced the Dirac equation to describe relativitistic quantum mechanics. 2 Dm = −ic~α1@x1 − ic~α2@x2 − ic~α3@x3 + mc β Dirac's formulation of a hyperbolic system of par- tial differential equations has provided fundamental which could formally act as a square root of the Klein- 2 2 2 models and insights in a variety of fields from parti- Gordon operator, that is, satisfy Dm = −c ~ ∆ + 2 4 cle physics and quantum field theory to more recent m c . -
Dirac Equation - Wikipedia
Dirac equation - Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dirac_equation Dirac equation From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia In particle physics, the Dirac equation is a relativistic wave equation derived by British physicist Paul Dirac in 1928. In its free form, or including electromagnetic interactions, it 1 describes all spin-2 massive particles such as electrons and quarks for which parity is a symmetry. It is consistent with both the principles of quantum mechanics and the theory of special relativity,[1] and was the first theory to account fully for special relativity in the context of quantum mechanics. It was validated by accounting for the fine details of the hydrogen spectrum in a completely rigorous way. The equation also implied the existence of a new form of matter, antimatter, previously unsuspected and unobserved and which was experimentally confirmed several years later. It also provided a theoretical justification for the introduction of several component wave functions in Pauli's phenomenological theory of spin; the wave functions in the Dirac theory are vectors of four complex numbers (known as bispinors), two of which resemble the Pauli wavefunction in the non-relativistic limit, in contrast to the Schrödinger equation which described wave functions of only one complex value. Moreover, in the limit of zero mass, the Dirac equation reduces to the Weyl equation. Although Dirac did not at first fully appreciate the importance of his results, the entailed explanation of spin as a consequence of the union of quantum mechanics and relativity—and the eventual discovery of the positron—represents one of the great triumphs of theoretical physics. -
5 the Dirac Equation and Spinors
5 The Dirac Equation and Spinors In this section we develop the appropriate wavefunctions for fundamental fermions and bosons. 5.1 Notation Review The three dimension differential operator is : ∂ ∂ ∂ = , , (5.1) ∂x ∂y ∂z We can generalise this to four dimensions ∂µ: 1 ∂ ∂ ∂ ∂ ∂ = , , , (5.2) µ c ∂t ∂x ∂y ∂z 5.2 The Schr¨odinger Equation First consider a classical non-relativistic particle of mass m in a potential U. The energy-momentum relationship is: p2 E = + U (5.3) 2m we can substitute the differential operators: ∂ Eˆ i pˆ i (5.4) → ∂t →− to obtain the non-relativistic Schr¨odinger Equation (with = 1): ∂ψ 1 i = 2 + U ψ (5.5) ∂t −2m For U = 0, the free particle solutions are: iEt ψ(x, t) e− ψ(x) (5.6) ∝ and the probability density ρ and current j are given by: 2 i ρ = ψ(x) j = ψ∗ ψ ψ ψ∗ (5.7) | | −2m − with conservation of probability giving the continuity equation: ∂ρ + j =0, (5.8) ∂t · Or in Covariant notation: µ µ ∂µj = 0 with j =(ρ,j) (5.9) The Schr¨odinger equation is 1st order in ∂/∂t but second order in ∂/∂x. However, as we are going to be dealing with relativistic particles, space and time should be treated equally. 25 5.3 The Klein-Gordon Equation For a relativistic particle the energy-momentum relationship is: p p = p pµ = E2 p 2 = m2 (5.10) · µ − | | Substituting the equation (5.4), leads to the relativistic Klein-Gordon equation: ∂2 + 2 ψ = m2ψ (5.11) −∂t2 The free particle solutions are plane waves: ip x i(Et p x) ψ e− · = e− − · (5.12) ∝ The Klein-Gordon equation successfully describes spin 0 particles in relativistic quan- tum field theory. -
13 the Dirac Equation
13 The Dirac Equation A two-component spinor a χ = b transforms under rotations as iθn J χ e− · χ; ! with the angular momentum operators, Ji given by: 1 Ji = σi; 2 where σ are the Pauli matrices, n is the unit vector along the axis of rotation and θ is the angle of rotation. For a relativistic description we must also describe Lorentz boosts generated by the operators Ki. Together Ji and Ki form the algebra (set of commutation relations) Ki;Kj = iεi jkJk − ε Ji;Kj = i i jkKk ε Ji;Jj = i i jkJk 1 For a spin- 2 particle Ki are represented as i Ki = σi; 2 giving us two inequivalent representations. 1 χ Starting with a spin- 2 particle at rest, described by a spinor (0), we can boost to give two possible spinors α=2n σ χR(p) = e · χ(0) = (cosh(α=2) + n σsinh(α=2))χ(0) · or α=2n σ χL(p) = e− · χ(0) = (cosh(α=2) n σsinh(α=2))χ(0) − · where p sinh(α) = j j m and Ep cosh(α) = m so that (Ep + m + σ p) χR(p) = · χ(0) 2m(Ep + m) σ (pEp + m p) χL(p) = − · χ(0) 2m(Ep + m) p 57 Under the parity operator the three-moment is reversed p p so that χL χR. Therefore if we 1 $ − $ require a Lorentz description of a spin- 2 particles to be a proper representation of parity, we must include both χL and χR in one spinor (note that for massive particles the transformation p p $ − can be achieved by a Lorentz boost). -
Arxiv:2006.06884V1 [Quant-Ph] 12 Jun 2020 As for the Static field in the Classical field Theory
Casimir effect in conformally flat spacetimes Bartosz Markowicz,1, ∗ Kacper Dębski,1, † Maciej Kolanowski,1, ‡ Wojciech Kamiński,1, § and Andrzej Dragan1, 2, ¶ 1 Institute of Theoretical Physics, Faculty of Physics, University of Warsaw, Pasteura 5, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland 2 Centre for Quantum Technologies, National University of Singapore, 3 Science Drive 2, 117543 Singapore, Singapore (Dated: June 15, 2020) We discuss several approaches to determine the Casimir force in inertial frames of reference in different dimensions. On an example of a simple model involving mirrors in Rindler spacetime we show that Casimir’s and Lifschitz’s methods are inequivalent and only latter can be generalized to other spacetime geometries. For conformally coupled fields we derive the Casimir force in conformally flat spacetimes utilizing an anomaly and provide explicit examples in the Friedmann–Lemaître–Robertson–Walker (k = 0) models. I. INTRODUCTION Many years after the original work by Casimir [1], his effect is still considered bizarre. The force between two plates in a vacuum that was first derived using a formula originating from classical mechanics relates the pressure experienced by a plate to the gradient of the system’s energy. An alternative approach to this problem was introduced by Lifshitz [2], who expressed the Casimir force in terms of the stress energy tensor of the field. The force was written as a surface integral arXiv:2006.06884v1 [quant-ph] 12 Jun 2020 as for the static field in the classical field theory. Both approaches are known to be equivalent in inertial scenarios [3, 4]. Introducing non-inertial motion adds a new layer of complexity to the problem. -
Zero-Point Energy and Interstellar Travel by Josh Williams
;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;; itself comes from the conversion of electromagnetic Zero-Point Energy and radiation energy into electrical energy, or more speciÞcally, the conversion of an extremely high Interstellar Travel frequency bandwidth of the electromagnetic spectrum (beyond Gamma rays) now known as the zero-point by Josh Williams spectrum. ÒEre many generations pass, our machinery will be driven by power obtainable at any point in the universeÉ it is a mere question of time when men will succeed in attaching their machinery to the very wheel work of nature.Ó ÐNikola Tesla, 1892 Some call it the ultimate free lunch. Others call it absolutely useless. But as our world civilization is quickly coming upon a terrifying energy crisis with As you can see, the wavelengths from this part of little hope at the moment, radical new ideas of usable the spectrum are incredibly small, literally atomic and energy will be coming to the forefront and zero-point sub-atomic in size. And since the wavelength is so energy is one that is currently on its way. small, it follows that the frequency is quite high. The importance of this is that the intensity of the energy So, what the hell is it? derived for zero-point energy has been reported to be Zero-point energy is a type of energy that equal to the cube (the third power) of the frequency. exists in molecules and atoms even at near absolute So obviously, since weÕre already talking about zero temperatures (-273¡C or 0 K) in a vacuum. some pretty high frequencies with this portion of At even fractions of a Kelvin above absolute zero, the electromagnetic spectrum, weÕre talking about helium still remains a liquid, and this is said to be some really high energy intensities. -
Large Flux-Mediated Coupling in Hybrid Electromechanical System with A
ARTICLE https://doi.org/10.1038/s42005-020-00514-y OPEN Large flux-mediated coupling in hybrid electromechanical system with a transmon qubit ✉ Tanmoy Bera1,2, Sourav Majumder1,2, Sudhir Kumar Sahu1 & Vibhor Singh 1 1234567890():,; Control over the quantum states of a massive oscillator is important for several technological applications and to test the fundamental limits of quantum mechanics. Addition of an internal degree of freedom to the oscillator could be a valuable resource for such control. Recently, hybrid electromechanical systems using superconducting qubits, based on electric-charge mediated coupling, have been quite successful. Here, we show a hybrid device, consisting of a superconducting transmon qubit and a mechanical resonator coupled using the magnetic- flux. The coupling stems from the quantum-interference of the superconducting phase across the tunnel junctions. We demonstrate a vacuum electromechanical coupling rate up to 4 kHz by making the transmon qubit resonant with the readout cavity. Consequently, thermal- motion of the mechanical resonator is detected by driving the hybridized-mode with mean- occupancy well below one photon. By tuning qubit away from the cavity, electromechanical coupling can be enhanced to 40 kHz. In this limit, a small coherent drive on the mechanical resonator results in the splitting of qubit spectrum, and we observe interference signature arising from the Landau-Zener-Stückelberg effect. With improvements in qubit coherence, this system offers a platform to realize rich interactions and could potentially provide full control over the quantum motional states. 1 Department of Physics, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, India. 2These authors contributed equally: Tanmoy Bera, Sourav Majumder. -
Arxiv:0812.0475V1
Photon creation from vacuum and interactions engineering in nonstationary circuit QED A V Dodonov Departamento de F´ısica, Universidade Federal de S˜ao Carlos, 13565-905, S˜ao Carlos, SP, Brazil We study theoretically the nonstationary circuit QED system in which the artificial atom tran- sition frequency, or the atom-cavity coupling, have a small periodic time modulation, prescribed externally. The system formed by the atom coupled to a single cavity mode is described by the Rabi Hamiltonian. We show that, in the dispersive regime, when the modulation periodicity is tuned to the ‘resonances’, the system dynamics presents the dynamical Casimir effect, resonant Jaynes-Cummings or resonant Anti-Jaynes-Cummings behaviors, and it can be described by the corresponding effective Hamiltonians. In the resonant atom-cavity regime and under the resonant modulation, the dynamics is similar to the one occurring for a stationary two-level atom in a vi- brating cavity, and an entangled state with two photons can be created from vacuum. Moreover, we consider the situation in which the atom-cavity coupling, the atomic frequency, or both have a small nonperiodic time modulation, and show that photons can be created from vacuum in the dispersive regime. Therefore, an analog of the dynamical Casimir effect can be simulated in circuit QED, and several photons, as well as entangled states, can be generated from vacuum due to the anti-rotating term in the Rabi Hamiltonian. PACS numbers: 42.50.-p,03.65.-w,37.30.+i,42.50.Pq,32.80.Qk Keywords: Circuit QED, Dynamical Casimir Effect, Rabi Hamiltonian, Anti-Jaynes-Cummings Hamiltonian I. -
Relativistic Quantum Mechanics 1
Relativistic Quantum Mechanics 1 The aim of this chapter is to introduce a relativistic formalism which can be used to describe particles and their interactions. The emphasis 1.1 SpecialRelativity 1 is given to those elements of the formalism which can be carried on 1.2 One-particle states 7 to Relativistic Quantum Fields (RQF), which underpins the theoretical 1.3 The Klein–Gordon equation 9 framework of high energy particle physics. We begin with a brief summary of special relativity, concentrating on 1.4 The Diracequation 14 4-vectors and spinors. One-particle states and their Lorentz transforma- 1.5 Gaugesymmetry 30 tions follow, leading to the Klein–Gordon and the Dirac equations for Chaptersummary 36 probability amplitudes; i.e. Relativistic Quantum Mechanics (RQM). Readers who want to get to RQM quickly, without studying its foun- dation in special relativity can skip the first sections and start reading from the section 1.3. Intrinsic problems of RQM are discussed and a region of applicability of RQM is defined. Free particle wave functions are constructed and particle interactions are described using their probability currents. A gauge symmetry is introduced to derive a particle interaction with a classical gauge field. 1.1 Special Relativity Einstein’s special relativity is a necessary and fundamental part of any Albert Einstein 1879 - 1955 formalism of particle physics. We begin with its brief summary. For a full account, refer to specialized books, for example (1) or (2). The- ory oriented students with good mathematical background might want to consult books on groups and their representations, for example (3), followed by introductory books on RQM/RQF, for example (4). -
1. Dirac Equation for Spin ½ Particles 2
Advanced Particle Physics: III. QED III. QED for “pedestrians” 1. Dirac equation for spin ½ particles 2. Quantum-Electrodynamics and Feynman rules 3. Fermion-fermion scattering 4. Higher orders Literature: F. Halzen, A.D. Martin, “Quarks and Leptons” O. Nachtmann, “Elementarteilchenphysik” 1. Dirac Equation for spin ½ particles ∂ Idea: Linear ansatz to obtain E → i a relativistic wave equation w/ “ E = p + m ” ∂t r linear time derivatives (remove pr = −i ∇ negative energy solutions). Eψ = (αr ⋅ pr + β ⋅ m)ψ ∂ ⎛ ∂ ∂ ∂ ⎞ ⎜ ⎟ i ψ = −i⎜α1 ψ +α2 ψ +α3 ψ ⎟ + β mψ ∂t ⎝ ∂x1 ∂x2 ∂x3 ⎠ Solutions should also satisfy the relativistic energy momentum relation: E 2ψ = (pr 2 + m2 )ψ (Klein-Gordon Eq.) U. Uwer 1 Advanced Particle Physics: III. QED This is only the case if coefficients fulfill the relations: αiα j + α jαi = 2δij αi β + βα j = 0 β 2 = 1 Cannot be satisfied by scalar coefficients: Dirac proposed αi and β being 4×4 matrices working on 4 dim. vectors: ⎛ 0 σ ⎞ ⎛ 1 0 ⎞ σ are Pauli α = ⎜ i ⎟ and β = ⎜ ⎟ i 4×4 martices: i ⎜ ⎟ ⎜ ⎟ matrices ⎝σ i 0 ⎠ ⎝0 − 1⎠ ⎛ψ ⎞ ⎜ 1 ⎟ ⎜ψ ⎟ ψ = 2 ⎜ψ ⎟ ⎜ 3 ⎟ ⎜ ⎟ ⎝ψ 4 ⎠ ⎛ ∂ r ⎞ i⎜ β ψ + βαr ⋅ ∇ψ ⎟ − m ⋅1⋅ψ = 0 ⎝ ∂t ⎠ ⎛ 0 ∂ r ⎞ i⎜γ ψ + γr ⋅ ∇ψ ⎟ − m ⋅1⋅ψ = 0 ⎝ ∂t ⎠ 0 i where γ = β and γ = βα i , i = 1,2,3 Dirac Equation: µ i γ ∂µψ − mψ = 0 ⎛ψ ⎞ ⎜ 1 ⎟ ⎜ψ 2 ⎟ Solutions ψ describe spin ½ (anti) particles: ψ = ⎜ψ ⎟ ⎜ 3 ⎟ ⎜ ⎟ ⎝ψ 4 ⎠ Extremely 4 ⎛ µ ∂ ⎞ compressed j = 1...4 : ∑ ⎜∑ i ⋅ (γ ) jk µ − mδ jk ⎟ψ k description k =1⎝ µ ∂x ⎠ U.