GoKawiilHawking radiation1—the emission of quantum particles at the event horizon of a black hole2—connects gravity with quantum mechanics and thermodynamics3,4,5. But Hawking radiation has never been observed in astronomy, only in laboratory analogues6,7,8,9, and the chances of ever observing it in space are astronomically small9. The energy of Hawking radiation must come from the gravitational field around the black hole2, but how field quanta generate Hawking quanta has been unknown. Here we report on experimental and theoretical evidence for the process that generates Hawking radiation in a fibre-optical analogue of the event horizon10,11. There, as in gravity2, it has been believed that Hawking radiation comes from a complicated, cascaded process12; here we have identified theoretically a simple, direct process and observed experimentally how this process reacts back onto the field. Our findings suggest an equally direct process for other laboratory analogues6,7,8,13,14,15,16,17 and perhaps also for gravitational fields, shedding light on how black holes might radiate.
Backreaction of stimulated Hawking radiation in an optical analogue
Why This Matters
This research advances our understanding of Hawking radiation by demonstrating a direct process in a fibre-optical analogue, providing insights into black hole physics that are difficult to observe astronomically. It highlights the potential for laboratory experiments to unravel complex quantum-gravity interactions, which could influence future quantum technologies and astrophysical models.
Key Takeaways
- Identifies a simple, direct process generating Hawking radiation in optical analogues.
- Shows how Hawking radiation reacts back onto the quantum field, revealing new dynamics.
- Provides a pathway to study black hole radiation mechanisms in laboratory settings, with implications for quantum gravity research.
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