Events

Measuring the Acceleration-Dependent Temperature of the Minkowski Vacuum

Relativistic quantum field theory is the structure on which the Standard Model and beyond-Standard Model physics are built. One of its most striking predictions is the Unruh effect: an accelerating observer measures the Minkowski vacuum as a thermal bath at a fixed temperature. Despite decades of theoretical interest, this effect has never been directly observed. We propose to use the high acceleration gradients provided by wakefield accelerators, coupled with a forward laboratory-frequency ~THz detector array, to measure the resulting forward-beamed radiation, and outline the unique signature provided by quantum detailed balance to extract the signal from backgrounds. While challenging, such a measurement appears within reach of present-day accelerator and detector technologies.

Monday, October 5, 2026 9:30 AM

Inperson
Speaker will be in person – BHI Conference Room

Virtual
Zoom

Monday, October 12, 2026

Monday, October 19, 2026 9:30 AM

Inperson
BHI Conference Room

Virtual
Zoom

Monday, October 26, 2026 9:30 AM

Inperson
BHI Conference Room

Virtual
Zoom

Monday, November 16, 2026 9:30 AM

Inperson
BHI Conference Room

Virtual
Zoom

Monday, November 23, 2026 – Monday, November 30, 2026

Monday, December 21, 2026 – Monday, January 18, 2027