The effects on field observables due to the interaction with a moving dielectric slab is studied in Born approximation. The system is modeled by a one-dimensional scalar field coupled to a one-dimensional body with finite thickness. The formation of a cloud of virtual quanta after the switching on of the interaction and the effects of the acceleration of the body are discussed separately. It has been shown that there is emission of energy density waves after the body has a perturbation of its elsewhere constant motion, but not emission of overall energy.

• Received 16 November 1993

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevA.49.2280