Light-pressure experiments by P. N. Lebedev and modern problems of optomechanics and quantum optics

TL;DR

This paper reviews P. N. Lebedev's pioneering light-pressure experiments, connects them to modern optomechanics and quantum optics, and explores potential extensions like the nonstationary Casimir effect for gravitational and acoustic waves.

Contribution

It highlights historical experiments of Lebedev and discusses their relevance and potential extensions in current physics research areas.

Findings

Lebedev's experiments confirmed light pressure effects.

Modern studies relate electromagnetic and vibrational phenomena.

Potential for observing nonstationary Casimir effects in new contexts.

Abstract

In connection with the 150-th Anniversary of P. N. Lebedev, we present historical aspects of his scientific and organizing activity and recall his famous experimental observations and proof of the existence of light pressure along with other results that essentially influenced the development of physics in Russia and in the whole world as well. We discuss the relationship of these studies of electromagnetic waves and other kinds of vibrational phenomena investigated by P. N. Lebedev to modern studies of the interaction of photons with mirrors, gravitational waves, acoustic waves, nonstationary (dynamical) Casimir effect of photon creation in resonators with vibrating boundaries, and vibrations of voltage and current in superconducting circuits realizing the states of qubits and qudits. We discuss the possibility of existence of the nonstationary Casimir effect for gravitational waves and sound in liquid helium.