Measuring Vacuum Polarization with Josephson Junctions

TL;DR

This paper proposes a method to measure vacuum polarization effects caused by virtual electron-positron pairs using Josephson junctions in strong magnetic fields, potentially observable with current experimental setups.

Contribution

It introduces a novel experimental approach to detect vacuum polarization through Josephson junctions, linking quantum field effects with superconducting devices.

Findings

Vacuum polarization causes a measurable change in the Josephson constant.

The effect is detectable with existing experimental techniques.

The proposed method opens new avenues for quantum field measurements.

Abstract

We argue that the vacuum polarization by the virtual electron-positron pairs can be measured by studying a Josephson junction in a strong magnetic field. The vacuum polarization results in a weak dependence of the Josephson constant on the magnetic field strength which is within the reach of the existing experimental techniques.