Disorder in quantum vacuum: Casimir-induced localization of matter waves

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates that disorder in the quantum vacuum, caused by rough surfaces, can induce localization of matter waves like Bose-Einstein condensates through Casimir-Polder interactions, revealing a macroscopic quantum phenomenon.

Contribution

It introduces the concept of disorder-induced localization of matter waves via Casimir-Polder interactions with rough surfaces, linking quantum vacuum effects to wave localization phenomena.

Findings

Localization effects predicted for Bose-Einstein condensates near rough surfaces

Disorder in quantum vacuum affects electromagnetic mode spectrum

Macroscopic manifestation of quantum vacuum disorder observed

Abstract

Disordered geometrical boundaries such as rough surfaces induce important modifications to the mode spectrum of the electromagnetic quantum vacuum. In analogy to Anderson localization of waves induced by a random potential, here we show that the Casimir-Polder interaction between a cold atomic sample and a rough surface also produces localization phenomena. These effects, that represent a macroscopic manifestation of disorder in quantum vacuum, should be observable with Bose-Einstein condensates expanding in proximity of rough surfaces.