Nonequilibrium thermodynamics of the acoustoelectric quantum vacuum
arXiv:2607.12228
The paper investigates how a constant drift of charge carriers faster than the speed of sound in acoustoelectric systems gives the quantum vacuum a thermal character, with an effective temperature set by the drift velocity and phonon wavevector.
Abstract
The quantum vacuum can assume thermal properties as a consequence of system kinematics, highlighting the nuance of our definition of particles in quantum field theory. Here, we explore this phenomenon in acoustoelectric systems, involving the interaction of phonons and plasmons, where the charge carriers drift at a constant velocity exceeding the speed of sound. Through an open quantum systems analysis, we show that the acoustoelectric quantum vacuum acquires a thermal character with a temperature defined by the drift velocity and the phonon wavevector. Realistic parameters yield effective temperatures of several Kelvin, establishing acoustoelectric systems as a promising platform for the investigation of quantum vacuum effects.
9 pages, 3 figures