Quantum simulation of 2d topological physics using orbital-angular-momentum-carrying photons in a 1d array of cavities

TL;DR

This paper proposes a novel method to simulate 2D topological physics using 1D arrays of optical cavities with orbital angular momentum-carrying photons, enabling scalable and resource-efficient quantum simulations.

Contribution

It introduces a new application of OAM states for quantum simulation, demonstrating how 2D topological phenomena can be studied with minimal physical resources.

Findings

Theoretical demonstration of 2D topological physics simulation using 1D cavity arrays.

Reduction in physical resources needed for topological quantum simulation.

Potential for immediate experimental exploration of edge states and phase transitions.

Abstract

Orbital angular momentum (OAM) of light is a fundamental optical degree of freedom that has recently motivated much exciting research in diverse fields ranging from optical communication to quantum information. We show for the first time that it is also a unique and valuable resource for quantum simulation, by demonstrating theoretically how \emph{2d} topological physics can be simulated in a \emph{1d} array of optical cavities using OAM-carrying photons. Remarkably, this newly discovered application of OAM states not only reduces required physical resources but also increases feasible scale of simulation. By showing how important topics such as edge-state transport and topological phase transition can be studied in a small simulator with just a few cavities ready for immediate experimental exploration, we demonstrate the prospect of photonic OAM for quantum simulation which can have a significant impact on the research of topological physics.