Quantum simulation of particle creation in curved space-time

TL;DR

This paper proposes an experimental setup using piezoelectric semiconducting layers to simulate particle creation in curved space-time, mimicking black hole horizons through surface acoustic waves and quantum dots.

Contribution

It introduces a novel analogue system with surface acoustic waves and dynamic quantum dots to simulate curved space-time effects and particle creation.

Findings

Surface acoustic waves exhibit a sonic horizon resembling black hole horizons.

Quantum dots show a non-thermal steady state indicating particle creation.

The setup provides a feasible experimental platform for studying quantum field effects in curved space.

Abstract

Conversion of vacuum fluctuations into real particles was first predicted by L. Parker considering an expanding universe, followed in S. Hawking's work on black hole radiation. Since their experimental observation is challenging, analogue systems have gained attention in the verification of this concept. Here we propose an experimental set-up consisting of two adjacent piezoelectric semiconducting layers, one of them carrying dynamic quantum dots (DQDs), and the other being p-doped with an attached gate on top, which introduces a space-dependent layer conductivity. The propagation of surface acoustic waves (SAWs) on the latter layer is governed by a wave equation with an effective metric. In the frame of the DQDs, this space- and time-dependent metric possesses a sonic horizon for SAWs and resembles that of a two dimensional non-rotating and uncharged black hole to some extent. The non-thermal steady state of the DQD spin indicates particle creation in form of piezophonons.