Polariton Fluids as Quantum Field Theory Simulators on Tailored Curved Spacetimes.

Area of Science:

• Quantum Field Theory
• Condensed Matter Physics
• Quantum Optics

Background:

• Quantum field theory in curved spacetimes predicts phenomena like Hawking radiation.
• Analog simulations using fluid dynamics offer experimental platforms to study these effects.
• Acoustic horizons in fluids mimic black hole event horizons, trapping excitations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and investigate a novel quantum field theory simulator.
• To engineer controllable acoustic horizons in a polaritonic fluid of light.
• To experimentally probe Hawking radiation and associated quantum correlations.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing a one-dimensional polaritonic fluid of light as a quantum simulator.
• Engineering smooth and steep acoustic horizons by controlling fluid velocity.
• Measuring the spectrum of excitations on both sides of the engineered horizon.

Main Results:

• Demonstrated tunable Hawking radiation, with weak and strong emission from smooth and steep horizons, respectively.
• Provided the first experimental evidence of negative energy waves in a fluid of light.
• Observed excitations with massive, relativistic dispersion, beyond simple phononic modes.

Conclusions:

• The polaritonic fluid simulator offers a unique platform for studying quantum field theory in curved spacetimes.
• The system allows for the investigation of Hawking radiation and entanglement in novel regimes.
• Future quantum optics experiments can further explore relativistic quantum field theory predictions.