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Experimental realization and synchronization of a quantum van der Pol oscillator
Yi Li1,2,3,4, Zihan Xie1,2,3, Xiaodong Yang5,6
1CAS Key Laboratory of Microscale Magnetic Resonance and School of Physical Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China.
Science Advances
|October 10, 2025
Summary
Researchers created a quantum van der Pol oscillator using a single atom. This system exhibits quantum synchronization and limit cycles, paving the way for quantum technologies and exploring autonomous quantum driven-dissipative systems.
Area of Science:
- Quantum physics
- Quantum optics
- Quantum information science
Background:
- Classical self-sustained oscillators are common, but nonclassical versions are a key goal in quantum physics.
- Autonomous quantum driven-dissipative systems with nonlinear damping are crucial for understanding quantum dynamics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To experimentally implement a quantum van der Pol oscillator using a single trapped atom.
- To demonstrate quantum limit cycles and quantum synchronization in this system.
- To investigate methods for enhancing synchronization, including squeezing and linear dissipation.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a single trapped atom as the physical platform.
- Implemented a quantum van der Pol oscillator model with nonlinear damping.
- Applied external driving and squeezing techniques to manipulate the system's dynamics.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated the existence of a quantum limit cycle in phase space without external drive.
- Observed quantum synchronization when the nonlinear oscillator was externally driven.
- Showed that synchronization can be enhanced by squeezing and linear dissipation.
- Observed bifurcation to a bistable phase-space distribution for large squeezing.
Conclusions:
- The experimental implementation of the quantum van der Pol oscillator is achieved.
- The study reveals new possibilities for controlling and enhancing quantum synchronization.
- Results open avenues for exploring self-sustained quantum oscillators and their applications in quantum technology.
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