A moving boundary separating two otherwise homogeneous regions of a dielectric is known to emit radiation from the quantum vacuum. An analytical framework based on the Hopfield model, describing a moving refractiveindex step in 1 + 1 dimensions for realistic dispersive media has been developed by S. Finazzi and I. Carusotto [Phys. Rev. A 87, 023803 (2013)]. We expand the use of this model to calculate explicitly spectra of all modes of positive and negative norms. Furthermore, for lower step heights we obtain a unique set of mode configurations encompassing black-hole and white-hole setups. This leads to a realistic emission spectrum featuring black-hole and white-hole emission for different frequencies. We also present spectra as measured in the laboratory frame that include all modes, in particular a dominant negative-norm mode, which is the partner mode in any Hawking-type emission. We find that the emission spectrum is highly structured into intervals of emission with black-hole, white-hole, and no horizons. Finally, we estimate the number of photons emitted as a function of the step height and find a power law of 2.5 for low step heights.
Quantum simulations are one of the pillars of quantum technologies. These simulations provide insight in fields as varied as high energy physics, many‐body physics, or cosmology to name only a few. Several platforms, ranging from ultracold‐atoms to superconducting circuits through trapped ions have been proposed as quantum simulators. This article reviews recent developments in another well established platform for quantum simulations: polaritons in semiconductor microcavities. These quasiparticles obey a nonlinear Schrödigner equation (NLSE), and their propagation in the medium can be understood in terms of quantum hydrodynamics. As such, they are considered as “fluids of light.” The challenge of quantum simulations is the engineering of configurations in which the potential energy and the nonlinear interactions in the NLSE can be controlled. Here, some landmark experiments with polaritons in microcavities are revisited, how the various properties of these systems may be used in quantum simulations is discussed, and the richness of polariton systems to explore nonequilibrium physics is highlighted.
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