Challenges
Datasets
Workspaces
Papers
Discussions
Leaderboard
Log inSign up
Challenges
Datasets
Workspaces
Papers
Discussions
Leaderboard
Blog
Job Board
Q3AS

© 2026 Aqora Quantum S.A.S.

TermsPrivacyLegal Notice

Physica Scripta

Nonreciprocal quantum transport of ultracold atoms in a driven quadruple-well potential with synthetic gauge fields

Lin Wang, Yan-Zi Jing, Kewen Xiao, Wen-Yuan Wang

Published Apr 8, 2025• 2 citations
Publisher

Abstract

Abstract By introducing two opposing driving fields with a reduced electric field strength, we successfully achieve quantum non-reciprocal transport of ultracold atoms confined within a quadruple-well system that incorporates a synthetic gauge field. This achievement not only disrupts the inherent robustness of reciprocal transport in such systems but also underscores the indispensability of coherent drives in facilitating quantum non-reciprocal transport, irrespective of the presence or absence of dissipation. In the absence of dissipation, the interplay between the synthetic gauge field and the driving fields endows the system with the capacity for non-reciprocal transport of ultracold atoms. This finding highlights the significance of unequal reduced field strengths in the genesis of nonreciprocal quantum transport, with the synergistic effects of the synthetic gauge field and coherent drives dictating both the magnitude and direction of the nonreciprocal transport. In the presence of dissipation, although the population and tunneling probability of ultracold atoms are diminished, the non-reciprocity of the system can be amplified by the driving fields and the artificial gauge field. This amplification results in an enhancement of non-reciprocity, allowing for the generation of strong unidirectional non-reciprocal windows through the modulation of the combined effects of dissipation, coherent drives, and the synthetic gauge field. Our findings provide a valuable reference for the development of quantum non-reciprocal routers within ultracold atoms, offering insights into the control and manipulation of quantum transport phenomena.

DOI
10.1088/1402-4896/adca64

Related papers

Nonreciprocal dynamics of noninteracting ultracold atoms in a momentum lattice

Chaojie Ren, Yuqing Li, Jizhou Wu +8 more

Realization of nonreciprocal transport is of great importance in the development of devices and systems that require the directional manipulation of signals or particles in information processing and modern physics. For ultracold atomic systems, the approaches based on synthetic dimensions have led to rapid advances in engineering quantum transport. Here, we use laser-coupled discrete momentum states of noninteracting ultracold atoms to synthesize a momentum lattice, and construct a closed ring with controllable tunneling phase in the momentum lattice. We measure the density evolution of atoms in the synthetic lattice with the single-site resolution, and observe the nonreciprocal dynamics by controlling the tunneling phase. We show the effect of both the applied phase and the coupling strength between two distinct population regions on the population distribution of atoms in the momentum lattice, and provide the optimal parameters for achieving the nonreciprocal transport.

Optics Express•Sep 21, 2023•5 citations

Quantum tunneling dynamics with robust reciprocity of Bose-Einstein condensate in a quadruple-well potential with synthetic gauge fields

Lin Wang, Kewen Xiao, Wen-Yuan Wang +1 more

Abstract Bose-Einstein condensation (BEC) trapped in quadruple-well potential with complex coupling provides a great useful platform in theoretical and experimental researches. Utilizing analytical and numerical methods, we investigate tunneling dynamics and the reciprocity of quantum transport of BEC in quadruple-well potential formed by the laser-assisted transition. According to the investigation, the tunneling dynamics of BEC in this system is independent of dissipation and complex coupling between wells caused by Raman coupling laser. By adjusting the coupling phase, the coherent destruction of tunneling can be observed. Meanwhile, this system provides an applicable proposal for reciprocal quantum switch by using the tunneling dynamics of BEC.

Physica Scripta•Nov 11, 2022•3 citations

Controlling many-body synchronous revival dynamics and entanglement cycle of ultracold atoms with synthetic gauge fields

Yuanjing Ma, Kewen Xiao, Yan-Zi Jing +1 more

The exploration of tunneling dynamics in many-body quantum systems plays a pivotal role in realizing groundbreaking atomtronic devices and achieving precise control over entanglement. Here, we delve into the intricate many-body tunneling dynamics of ultracold atoms confined within a quadruple-well potential, with a particular emphasis on the manipulative role played by interatomic interactions and synthetic gauge fields. The quantum dynamics displayed by the system closely mimic the operations of qudit hybrid gates, which are comprised of two relatively independent sets of qudits. In the Rabi regime, which is characterized by strong coupling, we observe an intriguing phenomenon: the cyclic collapse and revival of discrete tunneling dynamics within two distinct qudits. Notably, this intricate dynamical behavior exhibits remarkable synchronous and anti-synchronous revival features, offering a unique opportunity to engineer many-body synchronization pulse signals. In the resonant tunneling regime, distinguished by strong interatomic interactions, we made a remarkable observation: the hybrid qudits undergo a dimensionality reduction, effectively transforming into a qudit. This dimensionality reduction is accompanied by an intriguing phenomenon: the periodicity of its dynamics is intimately intertwined with the occurrence of the entanglement cycle. Remarkably, synthetic gauge fields emerge as potent regulators of this entanglement cycle. Our results uncover the profound implications of synthetic gauge fields on quantum tunneling processes within many-body systems, which hold promising potential applications for engineering atomtronic devices and controlling quantum entanglement.

Optics Express•Feb 4, 2025•3 citations

Manipulating novel quantum phenomena using synthetic gauge fields

Shaoliang Zhang, Qi Zhou

Abstract The past few years have seen fascinating progress in the creation and utilization of synthetic gauge fields for charge-neutral ultracold atoms. Whereas the synthesis of gauge fields in itself is readily interesting, it is more exciting to explore the new era that will be brought by the interplay between synthetic gauge fields and many other degrees of freedom of highly tunable ultracold atoms. This topical review surveys recent developments in using synthetic gauge fields to manipulate novel quantum phenomena that are not easy to access in other systems. We first summarize current experimental methods of creating synthetic gauge fields, including the use of Raman schemes, shaken lattices, and Raman-dressed lattices. We then discuss how synthetic gauge fields bring new physics to non-interacting systems, including degenerate single-particle ground states, quartic dispersions, topological band structures in lattices, and synthetic dimensions. As for interacting systems, we focus on novel quantum many-body states and quantum macroscopic phenomena induced by interactions in the presence of unconventional single-particle dispersions. For bosons, we discuss how a quartic dispersion leads to non-condensed bosonic states at low temperatures and at the ground state. For fermions, we discuss chiral superfluids in the presence of attractive s-wave interaction, where high partial-wave interactions are not required. Finally, we discuss the challenges in current experiments, and conclude with an outlook for what new exciting developments synthetic gauge fields may bring us in the near future.

Journal of Physics B Atomic Molecular and Optical Physics•Sep 13, 2017•22 citations

Achieving nonreciprocal unidirectional single-photon quantum transport using the photonic Aharonov–Bohm effect

Luqi Yuan, Shanshan Xu, Shanhui Fan

We show that nonreciprocal unidirectional single-photon quantum transport can be achieved with the photonic Aharonov-Bohm effect. The system consists of a 1D waveguide coupling to two three-level atoms of the V-type. The two atoms, in addition, are each driven by an external coherent field. We show that the phase of the external coherent field provides a gauge potential for the photon states. With a proper choice of the phase difference between the two coherent fields, the transport of a single photon can exhibit unity contrast in its transmissions for the two propagation directions.

Optics Letters•Oct 29, 2015•59 citations

Synthetic Gauge Fields in a Single Optomechanical Resonator

Yuan Chen, Yan‐Lei Zhang, Zhen Shen +3 more

Synthetic gauge fields have recently emerged, arising in the context of quantum simulations, topological matter, and the protected transportation of excitations against defects. For example, an ultracold atom experiences a light-induced effective magnetic field when tunneling in an optical lattice, and offering a platform to simulate the quantum Hall effect and topological insulators. Similarly, the magnetic field associated with photon transport between sites has been demonstrated in a coupled resonator array. Here, we report the first experimental demonstration of a synthetic gauge field in the virtual lattices of bosonic modes in a single optomechanical resonator. By employing degenerate clockwise and counterclockwise optical modes and a mechanical mode, a controllable synthetic gauge field is realized by tuning the phase of the driving lasers. The nonreciprocal conversion between the three modes is realized for different synthetic magnetic fluxes. As a proof-of-principle demonstration, we also show the dynamics of the system under a fast-varying synthetic gauge field, and demonstrate synthetic electric field. Our demonstration not only provides a versatile and controllable platform for studying synthetic gauge fields in high dimensions but also enables an exploration of ultrafast gauge field tuning with a large dynamic range, which is restricted for a magnetic field.

arXiv:1908.04456•Physical Review Letters•Mar 22, 2021•96 citations
Abstract By introducing two opposing driving fields with a reduced electric field strength, we successfully achieve quantum non-reciprocal transport of ultracold atoms confined within a quadruple-well system that incorporates a synthetic gauge field. This achievement not only disrupts the inherent robustness of reciprocal transport in such systems but also underscores the indispensability of coherent drives in facilitating quantum non-reciprocal transport, irrespective of the presence or absence of dissipation. In the absence of dissipation, the interplay between the synthetic gauge field and the driving fields endows the system with the capacity for non-reciprocal transport of ultracold atoms. This finding highlights the significance of unequal reduced field strengths in the genesis of nonreciprocal quantum transport, with the synergistic effects of the synthetic gauge field and coherent drives dictating both the magnitude and direction of the nonreciprocal transport. In the presence of dissipation, although the population and tunneling probability of ultracold atoms are diminished, the non-reciprocity of the system can be amplified by the driving fields and the artificial gauge field. This amplification results in an enhancement of non-reciprocity, allowing for the generation of strong unidirectional non-reciprocal windows through the modulation of the combined effects of dissipation, coherent drives, and the synthetic gauge field. Our findings provide a valuable reference for the development of quantum non-reciprocal routers within ultracold atoms, offering insights into the control and manipulation of quantum transport phenomena.
Realization of nonreciprocal transport is of great importance in the development of devices and systems that require the directional manipulation of signals or particles in information processing and modern physics. For ultracold atomic systems, the approaches based on synthetic dimensions have led to rapid advances in engineering quantum transport. Here, we use laser-coupled discrete momentum states of noninteracting ultracold atoms to synthesize a momentum lattice, and construct a closed ring with controllable tunneling phase in the momentum lattice. We measure the density evolution of atoms in the synthetic lattice with the single-site resolution, and observe the nonreciprocal dynamics by controlling the tunneling phase. We show the effect of both the applied phase and the coupling strength between two distinct population regions on the population distribution of atoms in the momentum lattice, and provide the optimal parameters for achieving the nonreciprocal transport.
Abstract Bose-Einstein condensation (BEC) trapped in quadruple-well potential with complex coupling provides a great useful platform in theoretical and experimental researches. Utilizing analytical and numerical methods, we investigate tunneling dynamics and the reciprocity of quantum transport of BEC in quadruple-well potential formed by the laser-assisted transition. According to the investigation, the tunneling dynamics of BEC in this system is independent of dissipation and complex coupling between wells caused by Raman coupling laser. By adjusting the coupling phase, the coherent destruction of tunneling can be observed. Meanwhile, this system provides an applicable proposal for reciprocal quantum switch by using the tunneling dynamics of BEC.
The exploration of tunneling dynamics in many-body quantum systems plays a pivotal role in realizing groundbreaking atomtronic devices and achieving precise control over entanglement. Here, we delve into the intricate many-body tunneling dynamics of ultracold atoms confined within a quadruple-well potential, with a particular emphasis on the manipulative role played by interatomic interactions and synthetic gauge fields. The quantum dynamics displayed by the system closely mimic the operations of qudit hybrid gates, which are comprised of two relatively independent sets of qudits. In the Rabi regime, which is characterized by strong coupling, we observe an intriguing phenomenon: the cyclic collapse and revival of discrete tunneling dynamics within two distinct qudits. Notably, this intricate dynamical behavior exhibits remarkable synchronous and anti-synchronous revival features, offering a unique opportunity to engineer many-body synchronization pulse signals. In the resonant tunneling regime, distinguished by strong interatomic interactions, we made a remarkable observation: the hybrid qudits undergo a dimensionality reduction, effectively transforming into a qudit. This dimensionality reduction is accompanied by an intriguing phenomenon: the periodicity of its dynamics is intimately intertwined with the occurrence of the entanglement cycle. Remarkably, synthetic gauge fields emerge as potent regulators of this entanglement cycle. Our results uncover the profound implications of synthetic gauge fields on quantum tunneling processes within many-body systems, which hold promising potential applications for engineering atomtronic devices and controlling quantum entanglement.
Abstract The past few years have seen fascinating progress in the creation and utilization of synthetic gauge fields for charge-neutral ultracold atoms. Whereas the synthesis of gauge fields in itself is readily interesting, it is more exciting to explore the new era that will be brought by the interplay between synthetic gauge fields and many other degrees of freedom of highly tunable ultracold atoms. This topical review surveys recent developments in using synthetic gauge fields to manipulate novel quantum phenomena that are not easy to access in other systems. We first summarize current experimental methods of creating synthetic gauge fields, including the use of Raman schemes, shaken lattices, and Raman-dressed lattices. We then discuss how synthetic gauge fields bring new physics to non-interacting systems, including degenerate single-particle ground states, quartic dispersions, topological band structures in lattices, and synthetic dimensions. As for interacting systems, we focus on novel quantum many-body states and quantum macroscopic phenomena induced by interactions in the presence of unconventional single-particle dispersions. For bosons, we discuss how a quartic dispersion leads to non-condensed bosonic states at low temperatures and at the ground state. For fermions, we discuss chiral superfluids in the presence of attractive s-wave interaction, where high partial-wave interactions are not required. Finally, we discuss the challenges in current experiments, and conclude with an outlook for what new exciting developments synthetic gauge fields may bring us in the near future.
We show that nonreciprocal unidirectional single-photon quantum transport can be achieved with the photonic Aharonov-Bohm effect. The system consists of a 1D waveguide coupling to two three-level atoms of the V-type. The two atoms, in addition, are each driven by an external coherent field. We show that the phase of the external coherent field provides a gauge potential for the photon states. With a proper choice of the phase difference between the two coherent fields, the transport of a single photon can exhibit unity contrast in its transmissions for the two propagation directions.
Synthetic gauge fields have recently emerged, arising in the context of quantum simulations, topological matter, and the protected transportation of excitations against defects. For example, an ultracold atom experiences a light-induced effective magnetic field when tunneling in an optical lattice, and offering a platform to simulate the quantum Hall effect and topological insulators. Similarly, the magnetic field associated with photon transport between sites has been demonstrated in a coupled resonator array. Here, we report the first experimental demonstration of a synthetic gauge field in the virtual lattices of bosonic modes in a single optomechanical resonator. By employing degenerate clockwise and counterclockwise optical modes and a mechanical mode, a controllable synthetic gauge field is realized by tuning the phase of the driving lasers. The nonreciprocal conversion between the three modes is realized for different synthetic magnetic fluxes. As a proof-of-principle demonstration, we also show the dynamics of the system under a fast-varying synthetic gauge field, and demonstrate synthetic electric field. Our demonstration not only provides a versatile and controllable platform for studying synthetic gauge fields in high dimensions but also enables an exploration of ultrafast gauge field tuning with a large dynamic range, which is restricted for a magnetic field.