RT info:eu-repo/semantics/masterThesis
T1 Resonant van-der-Waals Interaction: net harmonic force on a two-atom system
A1 Sánchez Cánovas, Julio
A2 Universidad de Valladolid. Facultad de Ciencias
K1 Quantum optics
K1 Quantum electrodynamics
K1 Van der Waals forces
AB We perform a time-dependent quantum computation of the van der Waals interaction between two free identical atoms, one of which is initially excited. Making use of the perturbative  approach developed in Refs. It is shown that, in addition to an off-resonant interaction force  between the two atoms, the two-atom system is subjected to a net force which oscillates  periodically in time. We prove that the apparently missing momentum is carried by the resonant  photons which mediate the periodic transfer of the excitation between the atoms, guaranteeing this  way the satisfaction of the action-reaction principle in the quantum realm. Remarkably, since  mediating photons remain virtual throughout the process, their momentum is virtual and thus  unaccessible experimentally. Ultimately, as the de-excitation of the system takes place, that  momentum turns into actual when carried off by the real photon which is emitted spontaneously.  Hence, the directionality of such an emission constitutes a vestige of the net force acting upon  the two-atom system while excited.
YR 2019
FD 2019
LK http://uvadoc.uva.es/handle/10324/38471
UL http://uvadoc.uva.es/handle/10324/38471
LA eng
NO Departamento de Física Teórica, Atómica y Óptica
DS UVaDOC
RD 25-nov-2024