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arXiv:2511.11987

Emergent synchronization mode in coupled Rydberg atomic chains

Weilun Jiang

quant-phSubmitted Nov 15, 2025• Announced Nov 18, 2025• 0 citations
arXivHTMLPDF

Abstract

We report a new oscillatory form in the two coupled dissipative Rydberg atomic chains by modulating its spacing. Such oscillation has $π$-phase difference between two neighboring sites, which distinguishes itself from antiferromagnetic-type synchronization in the previous studies. Theoretically, we find a phase with coexisting two types of continuous time crystals, and recognize that the transition belongs to Hopf and pitchfork bifurcation. Furthermore, we generalize the conclusion to multiple chains and verify the uniqueness of the new synchronization mode. We also discuss its experimental feasibility.

Journal reference
Phys. Rev. A 112, 052811 (2025)
Comments
8 pages, 5 figures

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We report a new oscillatory form in the two coupled dissipative Rydberg atomic chains by modulating its spacing. Such oscillation has πππ-phase difference between two neighboring sites, which distinguishes itself from antiferromagnetic-type synchronization in the previous studies. Theoretically, we find a phase with coexisting two types of continuous time crystals, and recognize that the transition belongs to Hopf and pitchfork bifurcation. Furthermore, we generalize the conclusion to multiple chains and verify the uniqueness of the new synchronization mode. We also discuss its experimental feasibility.
We report an oscillatory form in the two coupled dissipative Rydberg atomic chains by modulating its spacing. Such oscillation has $\ensuremath{\pi}$-phase difference between two neighboring sites, which distinguishes it from antiferromagnetic-type synchronization in the previous studies. Theoretically, we find a phase with two coexisting types of continuous time crystals and recognize that the transition belongs to Hopf and pitchfork bifurcation. Furthermore, we generalize the conclusion to multiple chains and verify the uniqueness of the synchronization mode. We also discuss its experimental feasibility.
Abstract We investigate the nonlinear dynamics of two coupled driven–dissipative Rydberg atomic chains, each of which formed a previously reported continuous time crystal phase. By tuning the inter-chain interaction, the two time-crystalline subsystems with distinct intrinsic oscillation frequencies will naturally mix, and support luxuriant stable and collective oscillatory behavior. We identify a dynamical phase characterized by quasi-periodic oscillations with multiple incommensurate frequencies, corresponding to a continuous-time quasi-crystalline order. In addition, we identify a phase transition from a time quasi-crystalline phase to a time-crystalline phase at sufficiently strong inter-chain coupling. This transition can be understood as the evolution from partially synchronized oscillations between the two chains to fully synchronized dynamics. From a mathematical perspective, we confirm that the transition is governed by either a saddle-node or a torus bifurcation, depending on the separation between the two original oscillation frequencies. These theoretical results provide guidance for exploring complex periodic dynamics in Rydberg atomic platforms.
A time crystal is an exotic phase of matter where time-translational symmetry is broken; this phase differs from the spatial symmetry breaking induced in conventional crystals. Lots of experiments report the transition from a thermal equilibrium phase to a time crystal phase. However, there is no experimental method to probe the bifurcation effect of distinct continuous time crystals in quantum many-body systems. Here, in a driven and dissipative many-body Rydberg atom system, we observe multiple continuous dissipative time crystals and emergence of more complex temporal symmetries beyond the single time crystal phase. Bifurcation of time crystals in strongly interacting Rydberg atoms is observed; the process manifests as a transition from a time crystal of long periodicity to a time crystal of short periodicity, or vice versa. By manipulating the driving field parameters, we observe the time crystal’s bistability and a hysteresis loop. These investigations indicate new possibilities for control and manipulation of the temporal symmetries of non-equilibrium systems. The time crystal is an exotic phase of matter where time-translational symmetry is broken. Here, the authors observe multiple continuous dissipative time crystals and bifurcation of time crystals in driven and dissipative Rydberg atomic gas.
A time crystal is an exotic phase of matter where time-translational symmetry is broken; this phase differs from the spatial symmetry breaking induced in crystals in space. Lots of experiments report the transition from a thermal equilibrium phase to time crystal phase. However, there is no experimental method to probe the bifurcation effect of distinct time crystals in quantum many-body systems. Here, in a driven and dissipative many-body Rydberg atom system, we observe multiple continuous dissipative time crystals and emergence of more complex temporal symmetries beyond the single time crystal phase. Bifurcation of time crystals in strongly interacting Rydberg atoms is observed; the process manifests as a transition from a time crystal state of long temporal order to one of short temporal order, or vice versa. By manipulating the driving field parameters, we observe the time crystal's bistability and a hysteresis loop. These investigations indicate new possibilities for control and manipulation of the temporal symmetries of non-equilibrium systems.
We study a driven-dissipative system of atoms in the presence of laser excitation to a Rydberg state and spontaneous emission. The atoms interact via the blockade effect, whereby an atom in the Rydberg state shifts the Rydberg level of neighboring atoms. We use mean-field theory to study how the Rydberg population varies in space. As the laser frequency changes, there is a continuous transition between the uniform and antiferromagnetic phases. The nonequilibrium nature also leads to a novel oscillatory phase and bistability between the uniform and antiferromagnetic phases.
Time crystals, as temporal analogs of space crystals, manifest as stable and periodic behavior that breaks time translation symmetry. In an open quantum system, many-body interaction subjected to dissipation allows one to develop the time crystalline order in an unprecedented way, as refer to dissipative time crystals. Here we report the observation of multiple time crystals in the continuously driven-dissipative and strongly interacting Rydberg thermal gases, in which continuous time crystals, sub-harmonic time crystals, and high-harmonic time crystals are observed in the same system by manipulating the Rydberg excitation. Our work provides new ways to explore the nonequilibrium phases of matter in open systems. Such time crystals with persistent oscillation rooted in emergent quantum correlations, may emerge as a ubiquitous tool in quantum metrology, for instance, continuous sensing and parameter estimation surpassing the standard quantum limit.