Abstract: Solutions to the backreaction equation in 1 + 1-dimensional semiclassical electrodynamics are obtained and analyzed when considering a time-varying homogeneous electric field initially generated by a classical electric current, coupled to either a quantized scalar field or a quantized spin-1/2 field. Particle production by way of the Schwinger effect leads to backreaction effects that modulate the electric field strength. Details of the particle production process are investigated along with the transfer of energy between the electric field and the particles. The validity of the semiclassical approximation is also investigated using a criterion previously implemented for chaotic inflation and, in an earlier form, semiclassical gravity. The criterion states that the semiclassical approximation will break down if any linearized gauge-invariant quantity constructed from solutions to the linear response equation, with finite nonsingular data, grows rapidly for some period of time. Approximations to homogeneous solutions of the linear response equation are computed and it is found that the criterion is violated when the maximum value, E-max, obtained by the electric field is of the order of the critical scale for the Schwinger effect, E-max similar to E-crit m(2)/q, where m is the mass of the quantized field and q is its electric charge. For these approximate solutions the criterion appears to be satisfied in the extreme limits qE(max)/m(2) << 1 and qE(max)/m(2) >> 1.

Abstract: The Fourier transform of the density-density correlation function in a Bose-Einstein condensate (BEC) analog black hole is a useful tool to investigate correlations between the Hawking particles and their partners. It can be expressed in terms of <(out)(a) over cap (ext)(up) (out)(a) over cap (int)(up)> where (out)(a) over cap (ext)(up) is the annihilation operator for the Hawking particle and (out)(a) over cap (int)(up) is the corresponding one for the partner. This basic quantity is calculated for three different models for the BEC flow. It is shown that in each model the inclusion of the effective potential in the mode equations makes a significant difference. Furthermore, particle production induced by this effective potential in the interior of the black hole is studied for each model and shown to be nonthermal. An interesting peak that is related to the particle production and is present in some models is discussed.

Abstract: We compute the analogue Hawking radiation for modes which possess a small wave vector perpendicular to the horizon. For low frequencies, the resulting mass term induces a total reflection. This reflection is accompanied by an extra mode mixing which occurs in the supersonic region, and which cancels out the infrared divergence of the near horizon spectrum. As a result, the amplitude of the undulation (0-frequency wave with macroscopic amplitude) emitted in white hole flows now saturates at the linear level, unlike what is found in the massless case. In addition, we point out that the mass introduces a new type of undulation which is produced in black hole flows, and which is well described in the hydrodynamical regime.