Tunable refraction in a two dimensional quantum metamaterial

TL;DR

This paper proposes a controllable two-dimensional quantum metamaterial made of qubits that can manipulate the refraction of signals, potentially enabling quantum birefringence and adaptable optical properties.

Contribution

It introduces a method to control quantum metamaterials' refraction properties via magnetic flux, enabling tunable quantum optical effects.

Findings

Quantum metamaterials can be controlled to alter refraction.

Potential for quantum birefringence or non-dependent refraction.

Feasible with current quantum technologies.

Abstract

In this paper we consider a two-dimensional metamaterial comprising an array of qubits (two level quantum objects). Here we show that a two-dimensional quantum metamaterial may be controlled, e.g. via the application of a magnetic flux, so as to provide controllable refraction of an input signal. Our results are consistent with a material that could be quantum birefringent (beam splitter) or not dependent on the application of this control parameter. We note that quantum metamaterials as proposed here may be fabricated from a variety of current candidate technologies from superconducting qubits to quantum dots. Thus the ideas proposed in this work would be readily testable in existing state of the art laboratories.