We consider a model for an oscillatory, relativistic accelerating photodetector inside a cavity and show that the entangled photon pair production from the vacuum (Unruh effect) can be accurately described in the steady state by a nondegenerate parametric amplifier (NDPA), with the detector's accelerating center of mass serving as the parametric drive (pump). We propose an oscillatory Unruh effect analog NDPA microwave superconducting circuit scheme, where the breathing mode of the coupling capacitance between the cavity and detector provides the mechanical pump. For realizable circuit parameters, the resulting photon production from the vacuum should be detectable.

• Received 9 December 2018

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevA.99.053833