QED in space–time varying materials

Abstract

Space–time variation spoils frequency conservation and brings negative frequencies into the picture. In addition, the quantum nature of light comes to the fore in a manner not evident in static systems. Here, we explore the quantum structure of these systems; propose a Hamiltonian; show that, in the Heisenberg picture, quantum field operators evolve according to classical equations; and discuss the uniquely quantum phenomenon of photon-pair creation.