Model for resonant photon creation in a cavity with time dependent conductivity

Abstract

In an electromagnetic cavity, photons can be created from the vacuum state by changing the cavity's properties with time. Using a simple model based on a massless scalar field, we analyze resonant photon creation induced by the time-dependent conductivity of a thin semiconductor film contained in the cavity. This time dependence may be achieved by irradiating periodically the film with short laser pulses. This setup offers several experimental advantages over the case of moving mirrors.

9 pages, 1 figure. Minor changes. Version to appear in Phys. Rev. A