Quantum theory of time refraction

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2000

Authors

Mendonca, JT (Author) Other; Guerreiro, A (Author) Other; Martins, AM (Author) Other

Journal

Title: Physical Review A - Atomic, Molecular, and Optical Physics

Vol. 62

Pages: 1-4

ISSN: 1050-2947

Publisher: American Physical Society

Indexing

Scopus - 2 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00X-STY

Abstract (EN): The concept of time refraction is introduced to describe the effects of a sudden change of the optical properties of a dielectric medium. This can be seen as the most elementary process associated with photon acceleration and frequency upshifting. The quantum theory of such a process shows that the initial wave splits into time-transmitted and time-reflected waves propagating in opposite directions after the occurrence of a time discontinuity of the refractive index. The time refraction laws, analogous to the well known Fresnel formulas and Snell's law, are also derived. It is shown that, in quantum terms, time refraction is equivalent to a squeezing transformation. ©2000 The American Physical Society.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific