arXiv · 1306.5107
Schwinger-Keldysh theory for Bose-Einstein condensation of photons in a dye-filled optical microcavity
Abstract
We consider Bose-Einstein condensation of photons in an optical cavity filled with dye molecules that are excited by laser light. By using the Schwinger-Keldysh formalism we derive a Langevin field equation that describes the dynamics of the photon gas, and in particular its equilibrium properties and relaxation towards equilibrium. Furthermore we show that the finite lifetime effects of the photons are captured in a single dimensionless damping parameter, that depends on the power of the external laser pumping the dye. Finally, as applications of our theory we determine spectral functions and collective modes of the photon gas in both the normal and the Bose-Einstein condensed phase.
Explore related subjects
Keep this discovery
A. -W. de Leeuw, H. T. C. Stoof, R. A. Duine. 2013-06-21. Schwinger-Keldysh theory for Bose-Einstein condensation of photons in a dye-filled optical microcavity. https://doi.org/10.1103/physreva.88.033829
Cite the original work for its findings. Save a collection to share your selection of sources.