Long-Range Interactions in Weyl-Dense Atomic Arrays Protected from Dissipation and Disorder

Area of Science:

• Quantum optics
• Condensed matter physics
• Metamaterials

Background:

• Long-range interactions are crucial for quantum phenomena but face challenges with free-space photons (decoherence) and engineered dielectrics (short range, disorder sensitivity).
• Existing methods for mediating quantum interactions have inherent limitations in range, tunability, and robustness.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose and analyze a new platform for quantum interactions based on 3D subwavelength atomic arrays in magnetic fields.
• To demonstrate the design of polaritonic bands featuring frequency-isolated Weyl points.
• To explore the potential for robust, long-range, and decoherence-free quantum interactions and novel surface states.

Main Methods:

• Theoretical design and analysis of 3D subwavelength atomic arrays subjected to magnetic fields.
• Engineering polaritonic band structures to create frequency-isolated Weyl points.
• Investigating the topological properties and robustness of Weyl excitations and their associated Fermi arcs.

Main Results:

• Successful design of atomic metamaterials with frequency-isolated Weyl points, characterized by linear band dispersion and Berry curvature monopoles.
• Demonstrated robustness of Weyl points across a range of interatomic distances and magnetic field strengths.
• Characterization of Fermi arc surface states, enabling novel 2D nonreciprocal atomic interactions.

Conclusions:

• The proposed platform offers a pathway to simultaneously achieve long-range, robust, and decoherence-free quantum interactions.
• Weyl excitations in these atomic metamaterials provide topological protection and subradiant properties.
• The emergent Fermi arcs present unique opportunities for nonreciprocal quantum interactions with no current analogue.