Photon solid phases in driven arrays of nonlinearly coupled cavities

Area of Science:

• Quantum optics
• Condensed matter physics
• Superconducting circuits

Background:

• Quantum electrodynamics (QED) cavities are fundamental systems for studying light-matter interactions.
• Nonlinear elements introduce complex behaviors in quantum systems.
• Photon leakage and coherent driving are common experimental conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce and investigate an array of QED cavities coupled via nonlinear elements.
• To explore the emergence of novel quantum phenomena like photon crystals.
• To assess the feasibility of realizing such systems with existing superconducting circuit technology.

Main Methods:

• Theoretical study of coupled QED cavities with nonlinear couplings.
• Analysis of system properties under coherent driving and photon leakage.
• Numerical or analytical investigation of steady-state solutions and phase synchronization.

Main Results:

• Nonlinear couplings induce photon hopping and nearest-neighbor Kerr interactions.
• Tunable system parameters lead to a steady-state photon crystal.
• Periodic modulation of photon blockade is observed.
• Coexistence of crystalline ordering and phase synchronization is possible.

Conclusions:

• The proposed QED cavity array offers a platform for generating and controlling quantum phenomena.
• Photon crystals and phase synchronization can be achieved by tuning system parameters.
• The system is experimentally viable using current superconducting circuit technology.