Dispersion-managed electromagnetic pulse transparency in arrays of coupled microcavities

Area of Science:

• Quantum optics
• Condensed matter physics
• Photonics

Background:

• Coupled optical microcavities filled with superconducting qubits form a unique medium for light-matter interaction.
• Electromagnetic pulse propagation in such systems is governed by hybrid matter-light waves, specifically polaritons and self-induced transparency solitons.

Purpose of the Study:

• To theoretically investigate the transparency of electromagnetic pulses in an array of coupled optical microcavities containing superconducting qubits.
• To analyze the role of polaritons and self-induced transparency solitons in governing this transparency.

Main Methods:

• Theoretical examination of electromagnetic pulse propagation.
• Analysis of linear excitation spectra (polaritons) and nonlinear soliton dynamics.
• Investigation of the dependence of soliton dispersion and transparency thresholds on qubit frequency and pulse width.

Main Results:

• The linear excitation spectrum features two polariton branches separated by a forbidden band.
• Nonlinear regime shows soliton dispersion curves within the polariton forbidden band, controlled by qubit frequency.
• Soliton transparency requires a threshold carrier wave frequency dependent on pulse width; this threshold varies with pulse width and soliton width, potentially leading to bandgaps and transparency windows in the overcritical regime.

Conclusions:

• The study elucidates the complex interplay between polaritons and solitons in superconducting qubit-filled microcavities.
• Predicted phenomena, such as bandgap formation and transparency windows, offer avenues for experimental verification.
• Findings contribute to understanding self-induced transparency and have implications for quantum technological device design.