16 December 2005 | Carlos Barceló, Stefano Liberati, Matt Visser
Analogue gravity is a framework that uses physical systems to model aspects of general relativity, particularly curved spacetime and quantum field theory. This review discusses the history, aims, results, and future prospects of various analogue models, starting with a simple example: sound waves in a moving fluid as an analogue for light in curved spacetime. Supersonic flow can create an "acoustic black hole," where sound waves cannot escape, analogous to a real black hole. This model allows for the study of phenomena like Hawking radiation in a controlled laboratory setting.
The article explores different types of analogue models, including classical and quantum systems, such as shallow water waves, Bose-Einstein condensates, and slow light. These models provide insights into complex theoretical questions and can inform experimental research. The concept of "analogue gravity" is not identical to general relativity but captures key features, enabling the study of spacetime geometry and quantum field theory in accessible systems.
The review highlights the development of analogue gravity over the past decade, including numerous publications, workshops, and books. It discusses the potential for future research, both experimentally and theoretically, and emphasizes the importance of understanding the relationship between analogue models and general relativity. The article also addresses the challenges and nuances of using these models, including the distinction between ergo-regions, horizons, and surface gravity in both acoustic and gravitational contexts. Overall, analogue gravity offers a promising avenue for exploring fundamental questions in physics.Analogue gravity is a framework that uses physical systems to model aspects of general relativity, particularly curved spacetime and quantum field theory. This review discusses the history, aims, results, and future prospects of various analogue models, starting with a simple example: sound waves in a moving fluid as an analogue for light in curved spacetime. Supersonic flow can create an "acoustic black hole," where sound waves cannot escape, analogous to a real black hole. This model allows for the study of phenomena like Hawking radiation in a controlled laboratory setting.
The article explores different types of analogue models, including classical and quantum systems, such as shallow water waves, Bose-Einstein condensates, and slow light. These models provide insights into complex theoretical questions and can inform experimental research. The concept of "analogue gravity" is not identical to general relativity but captures key features, enabling the study of spacetime geometry and quantum field theory in accessible systems.
The review highlights the development of analogue gravity over the past decade, including numerous publications, workshops, and books. It discusses the potential for future research, both experimentally and theoretically, and emphasizes the importance of understanding the relationship between analogue models and general relativity. The article also addresses the challenges and nuances of using these models, including the distinction between ergo-regions, horizons, and surface gravity in both acoustic and gravitational contexts. Overall, analogue gravity offers a promising avenue for exploring fundamental questions in physics.