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Nonlinear topological symmetry protection in a dissipative system
Stéphane Coen1,2, Bruno Garbin3,4,5, Gang Xu3,4,6
1Physics Department, The University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland, 1142, New Zealand. s.coen@auckland.ac.nz.
Nature Communications
|February 15, 2024
Summary
This study demonstrates spontaneous symmetry breaking in optical resonators using synthetic Möbius topology. This robust phenomenon enables stable localized structures and has implications for quantum matter and coherent Ising machines.
Area of Science:
- Nonlinear Optics
- Topological Physics
- Quantum Matter
Background:
- Investigating systems with interplay between topology, nonlinearity, and spontaneous symmetry breaking.
- Utilizing a two-mode coherently-driven optical resonator with Kerr nonlinearity for photon interaction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To realize spontaneous symmetry breaking in bias-free conditions without fine-tuning.
- To demonstrate robust symmetry protection and its manifestations.
- To explore the stability of localized structures.
Main Methods:
- Experimental investigation of a two-mode optical resonator.
- Theoretical analysis using an effective Hamiltonian model.
- Rigorous statistical tests for symmetry protection robustness.
Main Results:
- A phase defect induces a synthetic Möbius topology in the modal structure.
- Spontaneous symmetry breaking is achieved robustly and without fine-tuning.
- Periodic alternation of modes (period-doubling) and stable localized structures (domain walls, solitons, breathers) are observed.
Conclusions:
- Findings are supported by theoretical models and have broad relevance.
- Potential applications in Floquet engineering of quantum matter and coherent Ising machines.
- Demonstrates a novel approach to controlling complex dynamics in optical systems.
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