Mechanical backreaction effect of the dynamical Casimir emission

We consider an optical cavity enclosed by a freely moving mirror attached to a spring and we study the quantum friction effect exerted by the dynamical Casimir emission on the mechanical motion of the mirror. Observable signatures of this simplest example of backreaction effect are studied in both the ring-down oscillations of the mirror motion and in its steady-state motion under a monochromatic force. Analytical expressions are found in simple yet relevant cases and compared to complete numerical solution of the master equation. In order to overcome the experimental difficulties posed by the weakness of the backreaction effect in current setups, a promising circuit-QED device allowing for the observation of an analog backreaction effect with state-of-the-art technology is proposed and theoretically characterized.