Probing the Purcell effect without radiative decay: Lessons in the frequency and time domains

TL;DR

This paper explores how cavities influence the quantum vacuum, specifically the Purcell effect, by analyzing electro-optic sampling experiments in both frequency and time domains, linking virtual photon exchange to vacuum modifications.

Contribution

It demonstrates a method to study the Purcell effect without relying on radiative decay measurements, connecting electro-optic sampling with geometry-induced vacuum effects.

Findings

Purcell effect can be probed via electro-optic sampling

Virtual photon exchange explains vacuum modifications

Frequency and time domain analyses reveal cavity effects

Abstract

The microscopic processes underlying electro-optic sampling of quantum-vacuum fluctuations are discussed, leading to the interpretation of these experiments in terms of an exchange of virtual photons. With this in mind it is shown how one can directly study the Purcell effect, i.e. the changes induced by cavities upon the quantum vacuum, in the frequency and time domains. This forges a link between electro-optic sampling of the quantum vacuum and geometry-induced vacuum effects.