Boundary effects on radiative processes of two entangled atoms

TL;DR

This paper studies how boundary conditions like mirrors affect the spontaneous radiative decay rates of two entangled atoms interacting with a quantum field, revealing modifications due to boundary-induced vacuum fluctuations.

Contribution

It provides a detailed analysis of boundary effects on radiative processes of entangled atoms, including single and multiple mirror configurations, extending understanding of boundary-induced quantum phenomena.

Findings

Single mirror slightly reduces symmetric state decay rate.

Antisymmetric state decay rate slightly enhanced by a mirror.

Multiple mirrors significantly modify transition rates.

Abstract

We analyze radiative processes of a quantum system composed by two identical two-level atoms interacting with a massless scalar field prepared in the vacuum state in the presence of perfect reflecting flat mirrors. We consider that the atoms are prepared in a stationary maximally entangled state. We investigate the spontaneous transitions rates from the entangled states to the collective ground state induced by vacuum fluctuations. In the empty-space case, the spontaneous decay rates can be enhanced or inhibited depending on the specific entangled state and changes with the distance between the atoms. Next, we consider the presence of perfect mirrors and impose Dirichlet boundary conditions on such surfaces. In the presence of a single mirror the transition rate for the symmetric state undergoes a slight reduction, whereas for the antisymmetric state our results indicate a slightly enhancement. Finally, we investigate the effect of multiple reflections by two perfect mirrors on the transition rates.