Quantum simulation of artificial Abelian gauge field using nitrogen-vacancy center ensembles coupled to superconducting resonators

TL;DR

This paper proposes a practical hybrid quantum system using nitrogen-vacancy centers and superconducting resonators to simulate Abelian gauge fields, enabling exploration of condensed matter phenomena like the Hofstadter butterfly.

Contribution

It introduces a novel scheme for simulating Abelian gauge fields with NVEs and resonators, advancing quantum simulation capabilities in condensed matter physics.

Findings

Identification of Hofstadter butterfly signatures in optical spectra

Analysis of ground state crossover under different gauge fields

Feasibility demonstrated with current technology

Abstract

We propose a potentially practical scheme to simulate artificial Abelian gauge field for polaritons using a hybrid quantum system consisting of nitrogen-vacancy center ensembles (NVEs) and superconducting transmission line resonators (TLR). In our case, the collective excitations of NVEs play the role of bosonic particles, and our multiport device tends to circulate polaritons in a behavior like a charged particle in an external magnetic field. We discuss the possibility of identifying signatures of the Hofstadter "butterfly" in the optical spectra of the resonators, and analyze the ground state crossover for different gauge fields. Our work opens new perspectives in quantum simulation of condensed matter and many-body physics using hybrid spin-ensemble circuit quantum electrodynamics system. The experimental feasibility and challenge are justified using currently available technology.