The chain of resonators obey space reflection and time reversal symmetries. Credit: Vasil.
Physicists from the UK and Norway have developed a theory about how space reflection and time reversal symmetries can be used to control transport and correlations within quantum materials.
Two theoretical physicists from the University of Exeter in the United Kingdom and the Norwegian University of Science and Technology in Norway have built a quantum theory. They have shown how the different quantum phases of chains can be used in the design of future quantum devices.
There is a difference between open and closed systems. Closed systems are isolated from the outside world because there is nowhere for it to escape. Open systems are connected to the outer world and are subject to energy gains and losses. There is a third case. When the energy flowing in and out of the system is balanced, there is a situation of being open and closed. When the system obeys a combined symmetry of space and time, the system can be left essentially unchanged if one switches left and right.
The phases of a quantum chain of resonators satisfying space reflection and time reversal symmetries are discussed in the latest research. There are two phases of interest, a trivial phase and a nontrivial phase. The border between the two phases is marked by an exceptional point. The locations of exceptional points for a chain with an arbitrary number of resonators have been found by the researchers. Strong quantum correlations and unconventional transport effects may be used to control the behavior and propagation of light at the smallest scales.
This study may be useful for the generation, manipulation and control of light in low-dimensional quantum materials, with a view to building light-based devices exploiting the particles of light, as workhorses down to one billionth of a meter.
The work on parity-time symmetry in open quantum systems further emphasizes how symmetry underpins our understanding of the physical world and how we may benefit from it.
The Norwegian University of Science and Technology hopes that the theoretical work on parity-time symmetry can inspire further experimental research.
There are exceptional points in oligomer chains.
Charles Andrew Downing and his colleagues wrote about exceptional points in oligomer chains. There is a DOI: 10.1038/s42005-020-00757-3.
Journal information about communications physics.
Physicists exploit space and time symmetries to control quantum materials.
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