Description
A hitherto untested prediction of quantum field theory is the possibility of photon-photon interactions in vacuum mediated by zero-point fluctuations of charged matter, which manifests in the vacuum acquiring nonlinear properties akin to a dielectric medium. We point out that signatures of vacuum nonlinearities are intrinsically present in cavity-enhanced laser interferometers where the intra-cavity field forms a standing wave. We show that signatures of photon-photon interactions can be resolved with quantum-noise-limited measurements of light transmitted from a high-finesse cavity with megawatt-scale circulating power. Building on techniques pioneered for gravitational-wave detection, we outline an interferometric readout for the detection of nonlinear vacuum dispersion and birefringence predicted by quantum electrodynamics. The proposed tests are also sensitive to hypothetical beyond-Standard-Model particles which can mediate photon-photon interactions, such as axions or even gravitons, opening up a new pathway for testing fundamental physics using high-power laser interferometers.
| I am the presenting author | Yes |
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