We consider simple models of Bose-Einstein condensates to study analog pair-creation effects, namely, the Hawking effect from acoustic black holes and the dynamical Casimir effect in rapidly time-dependent backgrounds. We also focus on a proposal by Cornell to amplify the Hawking signal in density-density correlators by reducing the atoms’ interactions shortly before measurements are made.
Consideration of particle creation on a topologically nontrivial instanton leads to the possibility of a “topological Hawking effect”, whereby virtual pairs are converted to real particles because of a “change in topology”. This effect, calculable in a coherent state representation, is illustrated here for a manifold with two boundaries and one handle. It is also argued that this effect could provide a natural explanation of the Hot Big Bang scenario whereby the Universe “tunnels into being”.
Particle creation by black holes
