Penrose superradiance in nonlinear optics

Braidotti, M. C., Faccio, D. and Wright, E. M. (2020) Penrose superradiance in nonlinear optics. Physical Review Letters, 125(19), 193902. (doi: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.125.193902)

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Abstract

Particles or waves scattered from a rotating black hole can be amplified through the process of Penrose superradiance, although this cannot currently be observed in an astrophysical setting. Here we theoretically show that analog Penrose superradiance arises naturally in the field of nonlinear optics. A loosely focused signal beam can experience gain or amplification as it glances off a strong vortex pump beam in a nonlinear defocusing medium. Amplification occurs only with the generation and trapping of negative norm modes in the core of the pump vortex, as predicted by Penrose. Our results elucidate a new regime of nonlinear optics involving the notion of an ergoregion, providing further insight into the processes and transient dynamics involved in Penrose superradiance.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Braidotti, Dr Maria Chiara and Faccio, Professor Daniele
Authors: Braidotti, M. C., Faccio, D., and Wright, E. M.
Subjects:Q Science > QC Physics
College/School:College of Science and Engineering > School of Physics and Astronomy
Research Group:ExtremeLight
Journal Name:Physical Review Letters
Publisher:American Physical Society
ISSN:0031-9007
ISSN (Online):1079-7114
Copyright Holders:Copyright © 2020 American Physical Society
First Published:First published in Physical Review Letters 125(19):193902
Publisher Policy:Reproduced in accordance with the publisher copyright policy

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Project CodeAward NoProject NamePrincipal InvestigatorFunder's NameFunder RefLead Dept
303021Black Hole Superradiance in Rotating Fluids (SURF)Daniele FaccioEngineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC)EP/P006078/2P&S - Physics & Astronomy
303359PhoQusDaniele FaccioEuropean Commission (EC)820392P&S - Physics & Astronomy