Heisenberg uncertainty of spatially gated electromagnetic fields

A Heisenberg uncertainty relation is derived for spatially-gated electric Delta E and magnetic Delta H field fluctuations. The uncertainty increases for small gating sizes, which implies that in confined spaces, the quantum nature of the electromagnetic field must be taken into account. Optimizing the state of light to minimize Delta E at the expense of Delta H and vice versa should be possible. Spatial confinements and quantum fields may alternatively be realized without gating by interaction of the field with a nanostructure. Possible applications include nonlinear spectroscopy of nanostructures and optical cavities and chiral signals.

Automated summary

This discussion focuses on the Heisenberg uncertainty relation for spatially-gated electric and magnetic field fluctuations, highlighting the need to consider the quantum nature of the electromagnetic field in confined spaces. Optimizing the state of light allows for trade-offs between Delta E and Delta H, and spatial confinements and quantum fields can alternatively be achieved through the interaction of light with nanostructures. Potential applications include nonlinear spectroscopy of nanostructures and optical cavities, as well as chiral signals.