Mechanical back-reaction effect of the dynamical Casimir emission

TL;DR

This paper investigates the quantum back-reaction of dynamical Casimir emission on a moving mirror in an optical cavity, proposing observable signatures and a feasible circuit-QED experiment.

Contribution

It provides analytical and numerical analysis of the back-reaction effect and proposes a realistic experimental setup for observation.

Findings

Observable signatures in ring-down oscillations and steady-state motion

Analytical expressions matching numerical solutions

Feasible circuit-QED device for experimental detection

Abstract

We consider an optical cavity enclosed by a freely moving mirror attached to a spring and we study the quantum friction effect exerted by the dynamical Casimir emission on the mechanical motion of the mirror. Observable signatures of this simplest example of back-reaction effect are studied in both the ring-down oscillations of the mirror motion and in its steady-state motion under a monochromatic force. Analytical expressions are found in simple yet relevant cases and compared to complete numerical solution of the master equation. A circuit-QED device allowing for experimental observation of the effect with state-of-the-art technology is proposed and theoretically characterized.