Classical analogue of the Unruh effect

TL;DR

This paper shows that the Unruh effect, traditionally viewed as a quantum phenomenon, can also be explained through classical correlations in noise, demonstrated via water wave experiments revealing a Planck spectrum.

Contribution

It introduces a classical explanation for the Unruh effect and demonstrates this with water wave experiments showing a Planck spectrum in correlation energy.

Findings

Classical correlations can produce effects similar to the Unruh effect.

Water wave experiments show initial signs of a Planck spectrum.

Theoretical link between classical noise and quantum thermal radiation.

Abstract

In the Unruh effect an observer with constant acceleration perceives the quantum vacuum as thermal radiation. The Unruh effect has been believed to be a pure quantum phenomenon, but here we show theoretically how the effect arises from the classical correlation of noise. We demonstrate this idea with a simple experiment on water waves where we see the first indications of a Planck spectrum in the correlation energy.