# Quantum Theory of Triboelectricity

## TL;DR

This paper develops a quantum-based microphysical theory explaining how mechanical rubbing causes charge separation and generates electromotive force, linking triboelectric effects to quantum phenomena like superradiance.

## Contribution

It introduces a novel quantum theoretical framework for triboelectricity, extending Zel'dovich's superradiance theory to explain charge separation during rubbing.

## Key findings

- Motion-induced population inversion can generate electromotive force.
- The theory aligns with triboelectrification and triboluminescence phenomenology.
- Proposes experimental tests for the quantum triboelectric model.

## Abstract

We propose a microphysical theory of the triboelectric effect by which mechanical rubbing separates charges across the interface between two materials. Surface electrons are treated as an open system coupled to two baths, corresponding to the bulks. Extending Zel'dovich's theory of bosonic superradiance, we show that motion-induced population inversion can generate an electromotive force. We argue that this is consistent with the basic phenomenology of triboelectrification and triboluminescence as irreversible processes, and we suggest how to carry out more precise experimental tests.