Universality of Dicke superradiance in arrays of quantum emitters

Journal Article · Wed Apr 27 00:00:00 UTC 2022 · Nature Communications

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-022-29805-4 · OSTI ID:1899748

Masson, Stuart J. ; Asenjo-Garcia, Ana

Abstract Dicke superradiance is an example of emergence of macroscopic quantum coherence via correlated dissipation. Starting from an initially incoherent state, a collection of excited atoms synchronizes as they decay, generating a macroscopic dipole moment and emitting a short and intense pulse of light. While well understood in cavities, superradiance remains an open problem in extended systems due to the exponential growth of complexity with atom number. Here we show that Dicke superradiance is a universal phenomenon in ordered arrays. We present a theoretical framework – which circumvents the exponential complexity of the problem – that allows us to predict the critical distance beyond which Dicke superradiance disappears. This critical distance is highly dependent on the dimensionality and atom number. Our predictions can be tested in state of the art experiments with arrays of neutral atoms, molecules, and solid-state emitters and pave the way towards understanding the role of many-body decay in quantum simulation, metrology, and lasing.

• Research Organization: Columbia University, New York, NY (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: National Institutes of Health (NIH); New York State Empire State Development; USDOE; USDOE Office of Science (SC), Basic Energy Sciences (BES)
• OSTI ID: 1899748
• Journal Information: Nature Communications, Journal Name: Nature Communications Journal Issue: 1 Vol. 13; ISSN 2041-1723
• Publisher: Nature Publishing GroupCopyright Statement
• Country of Publication: United Kingdom
• Language: English