What is the derivation for the vacuum density of states in the Purcell effect?

In summary, the Purcell effect is an increase in the spontaneous emission rate of an atom placed inside a high finesse cavity with a very small mode volume. This effect is attributed to an increase in the vacuum density of states inside the cavity, which is given by the formula $$\rho_c = \frac{1}{\Delta f V}$$ where ##\Delta f## is the linewidth of the cavity and ##V## is the mode volume. The derivation for this density of states can be found in various resources, such as the book "Cavity Quantum Electrodynamics" by Serge Haroche and Jean-Michel Raimond. Additionally, the original paper by Purcell mentions the concept of vacuum density of states, but
  • #1
Zarqon
216
30
The Purcell effect is when an atom placed inside a high finesse cavity with a very small mode volume gets an increase in the spontaneous emission rate. I've tried to find correct explanation for this effect, but it seems hard to find, except that it comes from an increase in the vacuum density of states.

Outside of the cavity, the vacuum density of states responsible for the spontaneous decay is given by:

$$\rho_s = \frac{8 \pi f^2}{(c/n)^3}$$

, whereas inside the cavity the vacuum density of states is instead given by:

$$\rho_c = \frac{1}{\Delta f V}$$

, where ##\Delta f## is the linewidth of the cavity and ##V## the mode volume. The formulas are taken from wikipedia and also mentioned in several articles, including the original by Purcell, although it does not contain any derivations. My question is now basically, how can these density of states be derived? I have tried to google and look through both wiki-like resources and papers, but have been unable to find a proper derivation. The closest thing I found was a derivation of the Casimir effect, which is certainly similar in nature, but not quite the same expressions.

Do any of you the derivation for the vacuum density of states, or where I can find it?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Give this a look, page 202,

https://books.google.com/books?id=Q-4dIthPuL4C&pg=PA204&dq=The+Purcell+effect&hl=en&sa=X&ei=TFqLVfTmEYf0yAT-zYLYCQ&ved=0CCoQ6AEwAg#v=onepage&q=The Purcell effect&f=false

From,

https://www.google.com/search?q=The...a=X&ei=PFqLVY-EJdGiyATdwIHQBg&ved=0CA4Q_AUoAQ

Also see, page 126,

https://books.google.com/books?id=I7sLAn4_ZVcC&pg=PA126&dq=The+Purcell+effect+cavity+qed&hl=en&sa=X&ei=F2GLVde9OYK9yQSX2YPYCg&ved=0CB4Q6AEwAA#v=onepage&q=The%20Purcell%20effect%20cavity%20qed&f=false

From,

https://www.google.com/search?safe=...1.11.0...0...1c.1.64.serp..11.0.0.KzD2A2qaulI
 
Last edited by a moderator:

1. What is the QED vacuum density of states?

The QED vacuum density of states refers to the number of possible quantum states in a vacuum that can interact with electromagnetic fields. It is a fundamental concept in quantum electrodynamics (QED) and is used to describe the behavior of particles in empty space.

2. How is the QED vacuum density of states calculated?

The QED vacuum density of states is calculated using mathematical equations and models from quantum field theory. It takes into account factors such as the energy and momentum of the particles and the electromagnetic fields present in the vacuum.

3. What is the importance of the QED vacuum density of states?

The QED vacuum density of states is important in understanding the behavior of particles in quantum systems and in predicting their interactions with electromagnetic fields. It also plays a crucial role in calculations and predictions in various fields of physics, such as cosmology and particle physics.

4. How does the QED vacuum density of states relate to the Casimir effect?

The Casimir effect is a phenomenon in which two parallel conducting plates placed in a vacuum experience an attractive force due to the fluctuation of electromagnetic fields in the vacuum. The QED vacuum density of states is directly related to the Casimir effect, as it is the cause of the fluctuation of electromagnetic fields in the vacuum.

5. Can the QED vacuum density of states be measured?

Currently, there is no direct way to measure the QED vacuum density of states. However, it can be indirectly measured through experiments and calculations that involve the Casimir effect and other quantum phenomena. Scientists continue to research and develop new methods for measuring the QED vacuum density of states.

Similar threads

  • Quantum Physics
Replies
11
Views
1K
Replies
46
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • Advanced Physics Homework Help
Replies
6
Views
1K
  • Advanced Physics Homework Help
Replies
6
Views
1K
Replies
5
Views
1K
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • Quantum Physics
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • Atomic and Condensed Matter
Replies
1
Views
4K
  • Advanced Physics Homework Help
Replies
6
Views
2K
Back
Top