On Slow Light as a Black Hole Analogue

TL;DR

This paper analyzes the limitations of using slow light systems as black hole analogs, demonstrating that they cannot replicate Hawking radiation due to high phase velocities, despite mimicking classical black hole features.

Contribution

It clarifies the fundamental constraints of slow light setups in simulating quantum black hole effects, especially Hawking radiation.

Findings

High phase velocity prevents Hawking radiation simulation

Slow light can mimic classical black hole features

Quantum effects are not reproducible in slow light analogs

Abstract

Although slow light (electromagnetically induced transparency) would seem an ideal medium in which to institute a ``dumb hole'' (black hole analog), it suffers from a number of problems. We show that the high phase velocity in the slow light regime ensures that the system cannot be used as an analog displaying Hawking radiation. Even though an appropriately designed slow-light set-up may simulate classical features of black holes -- such as horizon, mode mixing, Bogoliubov coefficients, etc. -- it does not reproduce the related quantum effects. PACS: 04.70.Dy, 04.80.-y, 42.50.Gy, 04.60.-m.