Quantum systems engineering

Abstract:

© 2017 IOP Publishing Ltd. We study integrability properties of a reversible deterministic cellular automaton (Rule 54 of (Bobenko et al 1993 Commun. Math. Phys. 158 127)) and present a bulk algebraic relation and its inhomogeneous extension which allow for an explicit construction of Liouvillian decay modes for two distinct families of stochastic boundary driving. The spectrum of the many-body stochastic matrix defining the time propagation is found to separate into sets, which we call orbitals, and the eigenvalues in each orbital are found to obey a distinct set of Bethe-like equations. We construct the decay modes in the first orbital (containing the leading decay mode) in terms of an exact inhomogeneous matrix product ansatz, study the thermodynamic properties of the spectrum and the scaling of its gap, and provide a conjecture for the Bethe-like equations for all the orbitals and their degeneracy.

Abstract:

We theoretically show that terahertz pulses with controlled amplitude and frequency can be used to switch between stable transport modes in layered superconductors, modelled as stacks of Josephson junctions. We find pulse shapes that deterministically switch the transport mode between superconducting, resistive and solitonic states. We develop a simple model that explains the switching mechanism as a destablization of the centre of mass excitation of the Josephson phase, made possible by the highly non-linear nature of the light-matter coupling.

Abstract:

Recent experiments performed on cuprates and alkali-doped fullerides have demonstrated that key signatures of superconductivity can be induced above the equilibrium critical temperature by optical modulation. These observations in disparate physical systems may indicate a general underlying mechanism. Multiple theories have been proposed, but these either consider specific features, such as competing instabilities, or focus on conventional BCS-type superconductivity. Here we show that periodic driving can enhance electron pairing in strongly correlated systems. Focusing on the strongly repulsive limit of the doped Hubbard model, we investigate in-gap, spatially inhomogeneous, on-site modulations. We demonstrate that such modulations substantially reduce electronic hopping, while simultaneously sustaining superexchange interactions and pair hopping via driving-induced virtual charge excitations. We calculate real-time dynamics for the one-dimensional case, starting from zero- and finite-temperature initial states, and we show that enhanced singlet-pair correlations emerge quickly and robustly in the out-of-equilibrium many-body state. Our results reveal a fundamental pairing mechanism that might underpin optically induced superconductivity in some strongly correlated quantum materials.