Spatial dependence of quantum friction amplitudes in a scalar model

TL;DR

This paper investigates how quantum friction amplitudes vary spatially for an atom moving parallel to a material plane, providing detailed probability distributions and confirming consistency with prior integrated results.

Contribution

It introduces a detailed spatial analysis of quantum friction amplitudes in a scalar model, extending previous work by explicitly calculating position-dependent excitation probabilities.

Findings

Probability per unit time and area for excitation depends on position.

Integrated probability results match previous studies.

Provides a spatially resolved understanding of quantum friction effects.

Abstract

We study the spatial dependence of the quantum friction effect for an atom moving at a constant velocity, in a parallel direction to a material plane. In particular, we determine the probability per unit time and unit area, for exciting degrees of freedom on the plane, as a function of their position, for a given trajectory of the atom. We also show that the result of integrating out the probability density agrees with previous results for the same system.