Quantum Diffusion in a Photonic Fibonacci Chain: From Localization to Ballistic Dynamics

Area of Science:

• Condensed matter physics
• Quantum physics
• Materials science

Background:

• Quantum transport is crucial but experimentally difficult.
• Quasicrystals, like the Fibonacci chain, exhibit unique properties.
• Understanding transport in disordered systems is key.

Purpose of the Study:

• To experimentally characterize the full spectrum of quantum transport behaviors in a 1D Fibonacci chain.
• To resolve predicted multifractal spectra and hyperuniform order.
• To establish a platform for exploring quasiperiodicity and quantum transport.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a tunable photonic quantum-walk platform.
• Analyzed distinct power-law scalings of mean square displacement.
• Examined smooth autocorrelation functions and oscillatory dynamical structures.

Main Results:

• Achieved the first complete experimental characterization of quantum transport in a Fibonacci chain.
• Resolved regimes including localization, subdiffusion, normal diffusion, superdiffusion, and ballistic transport.
• Observed signatures linked to intrinsic multifractal spectra and hyperuniform order.

Conclusions:

• The study successfully mapped a comprehensive quantum transport regime diagram for Fibonacci quasicrystals.
• The photonic quantum-walk platform offers a versatile framework for studying quasiperiodicity and emergent quantum phenomena.
• Experimental resolution of multifractal spectra and hyperuniform order in quasicrystals is now possible.