Quantum signature of analog Hawking radiation in momentum space

TL;DR

This paper theoretically demonstrates that momentum distributions in a Bose-Einstein condensate can serve as clear evidence of sonic horizons and Hawking radiation, highlighting quantum effects even at higher temperatures.

Contribution

It introduces a method to detect quantum Hawking radiation in BECs through momentum measurements, providing direct experimental signatures.

Findings

Momentum distributions reveal sonic horizons and Hawking radiation.

Quantum signatures persist at temperatures above the chemical potential.

Theoretical analysis supports experimental detection of analog Hawking radiation.

Abstract

We consider a sonic analog of a black hole realized in the one-dimensional flow of a Bose-Einstein condensate. Our theoretical analysis demonstrates that one- and two-body momentum distributions accessible by present-day experimental techniques provide clear direct evidence (i) of the occurrence of a sonic horizon, (ii) of the associated acoustic Hawking radiation and (iii) of the quantum nature of the Hawking process. The signature of the quantum behavior persists even at temperatures larger than the chemical potential.