Synchronization of Interacting Quantum Dipoles

TL;DR

This paper explores how arrays of quantum two-level systems with dipolar interactions can achieve a synchronized steady-state, overcoming quantum decoherence, with implications for quantum technology and precision measurement.

Contribution

It demonstrates the possibility of quantum synchronization in dipolar systems and characterizes the quantum properties of the synchronized state.

Findings

Quantum dipoles can synchronize despite quantum fluctuations.

The synchronized state exhibits quantum correlations and phase diffusion.

Potential applications in atomic clocks and quantum devices.

Abstract

Macroscopic ensembles of radiating dipoles are ubiquitous in the physical and natural sciences. In the classical limit the dipoles can be described as damped-driven oscillators, which are able to spontaneously synchronize and collectively lock their phases. Here we investigate the correspond- ing phenomenon in the quantum regime with arrays of quantized two-level systems coupled via long-range and anisotropic dipolar interactions. Our calculations demonstrate that the dipoles may overcome the decoherence induced by quantum fluctuations and inhomogeneous couplings and evolve to a synchronized steady-state. This steady-state bears much similarity to that observed in classical systems, and yet also exhibits genuine quantum properties such as quantum correlations and quan- tum phase diffusion (reminiscent of lasing). Our predictions could be relevant for the development of better atomic clocks and a variety of noise tolerant quantum devices.