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Observation of a phase transition from a continuous to a discrete time crystal

Year: 2024
Type: article
Abstract: Discrete (DTCs) and continuous time crystals (CTCs) are novel dynamical many-body states, that are characterized by robust self-sustained oscillations, emerging via spontaneous breaking of discrete or continuous time translation symmetry. DTCs are periodically driven systems that oscillate with a subharmonic of the external drive, while CTCs are continuously driven and oscillate with a frequency intrinsic to the system. Here, we explore a phase transition from a continuous time crystal to a discrete time crystal. A CTC with a characteristic oscillation frequencyωCTCis prepared in a continuously pumped atom-cavity system. Modulating the pump intensity of the CTC with a frequencyωdrclose to2ωCTCleads to robust locking ofωCTCtoωdr/2, and hence a DTC arises. This phase transition in a quantum many-body system is related to subharmonic injection locking of non-linear mechanical and electronic oscillators or lasers.
DOI: 10.1088/1361-6633/ad6585
Authors: Phatthamon Kongkhambut, Jayson G Cosme, Jim Skulte, Michelle A Moreno Armijos, Ludwig Mathey, Andreas Hemmerich, Hans Keßler
Institutions: Universität Hamburg, University of the Philippines Diliman, Hamburg Centre for Ultrafast Imaging, Universidade de São Paulo, Instituto de Física de São Carlos, University of Bonn
Language: English
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $4,455
Awards: G1230266125, G213344254, G2218491200, EXC 2056: CUI: Advanced Imaging of Matter, G434337789, G4675369358, G575169067, QuantERA II ERA-NET Cofund in Quantum Technologies, SFB 925: Lichtinduzierte Dynamik und Kontrolle korrelierter Quantensysteme
OpenAlex ID: W4391988278
FWCI: 2.229
Cites: 41
Cited by: 14
Related to: 10