PIRSA:16110032

A Modern Approach to Superradiance

Endlich, S. (2016). A Modern Approach to Superradiance. Perimeter Institute. https://pirsa.org/16110032

Endlich, Solomon. A Modern Approach to Superradiance. Perimeter Institute, Nov. 15, 2016, https://pirsa.org/16110032 

          @misc{ pirsa_PIRSA:16110032,
            doi = {10.48660/16110032},
            url = {https://pirsa.org/16110032},
            author = {Endlich, Solomon},
            keywords = {Particle Physics},
            language = {en},
            title = {A Modern Approach to Superradiance},
            publisher = {Perimeter Institute},
            year = {2016},
            month = {nov},
            note = {PIRSA:16110032 see, \url{https://pirsa.org}}
          }

Solomon Endlich Stanford University

DOI 10.48660/16110032
Collection
Talk Type Scientific Series
Subject

Abstract

We introduce a simple and modern discussion of rotational superradiance based on quantum field theory. We work with an effective theory valid at scales much larger than the size of the spinning object responsible for superradiance. Within this framework, the probability of absorption by an object at rest completely determines the superradiant amplification rate when that same object is spinning. We first discuss in detail superradiant scattering of spin 0 particles with orbital angular momentum l = 1, and then extend our analysis to higher values of orbital angular momentum and spin. Along the way, we provide a simple derivation of vacuum friction—a “quantum torque” acting on spinning objects in empty space. Our results apply not only to black holes but to arbitrary spinning objects. We also discuss superradiant instability due to formation of bound states and, as an illustration, we calculate the instability rate Γ for bound states with massive spin 1 particles.