Virtual photons and causality in the dynamics of a pair of two-level atoms

A. K. Biswas, G. Compagno, G. M. Palma, R. Passante, and F. Persico
Phys. Rev. A 42, 4291 – Published 1 October 1990; Erratum Phys. Rev. A 44, 798 (1991)
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Abstract

The dynamics of an initially bare pair of two-level atoms at distance R is investigated. The pair is coupled to the vacuum radiation field in the multipolar scheme and in the dipole approximation. The Heisenberg equations of motion for various atomic operators are obtained neglecting terms O(e3) and for t smaller than the spontaneous relaxation time. A rigorous proof of causality in the atom-atom interaction is given. Interatomic correlations, however, are shown to develop for t<R/c. This early development is shown to be compatible with the principle of relativistic causality, and to be related to the peculiar form of the vacuum zero-point fluctuations. The techniques adopted are applied to study dynamics and correlations of a superradiant state.

  • Received 16 February 1990

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevA.42.4291

©1990 American Physical Society

Erratum

Erratum: Virtual photons and causality in the dynamics of a pair of two-level atoms [Phys. Rev. A 42, 4291 (1990)]

A. K. Biswas, G. Compagno, G. M. Palma, R. Passante, and F. Persico
Phys. Rev. A 44, 798 (1991)

Authors & Affiliations

A. K. Biswas

  • Department of Applied Mathematics, University College of Science, 92 Acharya Prafulla, Chandra Road, 700009 Calcutta, India

G. Compagno and G. M. Palma

  • Istituto di Fisica dell’ Università, Via Archirafi 36, I-90123 Palermo, Italy

R. Passante

  • Istituto per le Applicazioni Interdisciplinari della Fisica, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Via Archirafi 36, I-90123 Palermo, Italy

F. Persico

  • Istituto di Fisica dell’ Università and Istituto per le Applicazioni Interdisciplinari della Fisica, Via Archirafi 36, I-90123 Palermo, Italy

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Issue

Vol. 42, Iss. 7 — October 1990

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