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Quantum State Engineering of Light with Continuous-wave Optical Parametric Oscillators
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Observation of Symmetry-Protected Selection Rules in Periodically Driven Quantum Systems
Guoqing Wang1, Changhao Li1, Paola Cappellaro1,2
1Research Laboratory of Electronics and Department of Nuclear Science and Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, USA.
Physical Review Letters
|October 15, 2021
Summary
Researchers reveal dynamical symmetries in periodically driven quantum systems using novel experimental techniques. This work enables the study of symmetry-protected topological phases in strongly driven Floquet systems.
Area of Science:
- Quantum physics
- Nonequilibrium physics
- Condensed matter physics
Background:
- Periodically driven (Floquet) quantum systems exhibit complex dynamics and novel behaviors due to symmetry breaking.
- Characterizing these dynamical symmetries is challenging due to limited driving strength and experimental techniques.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a method for revealing dynamical symmetries (parity, rotation, particle-hole) in Floquet systems.
- To experimentally extract transition matrix elements between Floquet states.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing modulated driving to achieve strong light-matter coupling.
- Developing a protocol to measure coherent evolution of quantum systems.
- Employing nitrogen-vacancy centers in diamond as an experimental platform.
Main Results:
- Observed symmetry-induced Floquet selection rules.
- Detected symmetry-protected dark states and dark bands.
- Demonstrated coherent destruction of tunneling.
Conclusions:
- The developed protocol allows experimental characterization of dynamical symmetries in Floquet systems.
- This approach facilitates the study of topological phases in strongly driven quantum systems.
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