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arXiv:2511.10920

Spontaneous Macroscopic Quantum Synchronization in an Ensemble of Two-level Systems

Zhen-huan Yang, Dan-Bo Zhang

quant-phSubmitted Nov 14, 2025• Announced Nov 17, 2025• 0 citations• Revised May 21, 2026 (v2)
v1 · Nov 14, 2025v2 · May 21, 2026
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Abstract

Spontaneous macroscopic quantum synchronization is an emergent phenomenon where an ensemble of quantum oscillators achieves global phase coherence through the interplay of interaction and dissipation. To illuminate this phenomenon, we study an ensemble of two-level systems (TLS) and establish its associated nonlinear quantum master equation, for which self-consistent analytical solutions of quantum synchronization can be obtained. The trajectories on the Bloch sphere vividly illustrate how dissipation and interaction drive the system toward a synchronized state. We present a phase diagram for macroscopic synchronization as a function of interaction strength and the gain-to-damping ratio. Furthermore, we demonstrate full synchronization and partial synchronization between two groups of TLS with different natural frequencies. This work establishes ensemble of TLS as a remarkable system for understanding spontaneous quantum synchronization.

Comments
The interaction in Eq. (7) lacks permutation symmetry, as it explicitly depends on particle indices. Thus, Eq. (9) does not correspond to this model. Although the analysis is mathematically self-consistent, it mismatches the physical dynamics. To avoid confusion regarding the model's physical interpretation, we are withdrawing the manuscript

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We theoretically describe macroscopic quantum synchronization effects occurring in a network of all-to-all coupled quantum limit-cycle oscillators. The coupling causes a transition to synchronization as indicated by the presence of global phase coherence. We demonstrate that the microscopic quantum properties of the oscillators qualitatively shape the synchronization behavior in a macroscopically large network. Specifically, they result in a blockade of collective synchronization that is not expected for classical oscillators. Additionally, the macroscopic ensemble shows emergent behavior not present at the level of two coupled quantum oscillators.
Synchronization is a collective phenomenon in which interacting nonlinear oscillators develop a persistent relation between their phases and frequencies. In quantum systems, its description requires connecting the classical dynamics of limit-cycle oscillators with quantum fluctuations, dissipation, and the notion of phase. In this tutorial review, we offer a systematic framework for analyzing synchronization in classical and quantum dynamical systems. Starting from amplitude-phase dynamics, we introduce successively topics of relevance, such as phase locking, the Adler equation, Arnold tongues, and the Kuramoto model, and use these concepts to analyze coupled oscillators and their stability. We then formulate the corresponding description for quantum limit-cycle oscillators using Lindblad master equations and phase-space methods, with explicit examples of two and many coupled oscillators. We further discuss noise, synchronization measures, and the extreme quantum regime, including synchronization in spin systems. The emphasis throughout is on analytical derivations and a practical methodology for identifying synchronized states, determining their stability, and characterizing synchronization in quantum systems. The review is designed as a self-contained guide from which we hope that students can learn the essential concepts and techniques, while researchers can readily find the analytical tools and methodological insights needed to approach new synchronization problems.
Spontaneous synchronization between coupled periodic systems occur in a wealth of classical physical setups. Here, we show theoretically that the phase of two distinct quantum harmonic oscillators spontaneously synchronize when they are strongly coupled to a common bosonic quantum dissipative environment at zero temperature, in the absence of any driving mechanism. To do so, we compute the dynamics of the oscillators with an exact master equation obtained from a path integral formalism. Above some value of the system-environment coupling strength, we observe numerically a strongly reduced damping and a frequency locking in the dynamics of the oscillators. Beyond the synchronization mechanism, we also describe the rich phenomenology of the dynamics in the model and notably identify the additional emergence of a regime with long-lived oscillations.
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We explore the environment-induced synchronization phenomenon in two-level systems in contact with a thermal dissipative environment. We first discuss the conditions under which synchronization emerges between a pair of two-level particles. That is, we analyze the impact of various model parameters on the emergence of (anti-)synchronization such as the environment temperature, the direct interaction between the particles, and the distance between them controlling the collectivity of the dissipation. We then enlarge the system to be composed of three two-level atoms to study the mutual synchronization between different particle pairs. Remarkably, we observe in this case a rich synchronization dynamics which stems from different possible spatial configurations of the atoms. Particularly, in sharp contrast with the two-atom case, we show that when the three atoms are in close proximity, the appearance of antisynchronization can be obstructed across all particle pairs due to frustration.