# Discrete time crystal in a finite chain of Rydberg atoms without disorder

## TL;DR

This paper demonstrates the emergence of a discrete time crystal in a finite, disorder-free chain of Rydberg atoms driven by laser fields, showing robust subharmonic oscillations that persist over time and are influenced by dissipation.

## Contribution

It provides a numerical study of DTC behavior in a clean, finite Rydberg atom chain, highlighting the role of dissipation and finite size effects.

## Key findings

- Discrete time crystal signatures observed in Rydberg atom chains
- Subharmonic oscillations persist longer with increasing chain size
- Dissipative processes influence DTC stability

## Abstract

We study the collective dynamics of a clean Floquet system of cold atoms, numerically simulating two realistic set-ups based on a regular chain of interacting Rydberg atoms driven by laser fields. In both cases, the population evolution and its Fourier spectrum display clear signatures of a discrete time crystal (DTC), exhibiting the appearance of a robust subharmonic oscillation which persists on a time scale increasing with the chain size, within a certain range of control parameters. We also characterize how the DTC stability is affected by dissipative processes, typically present in this atomic system even though the Rydberg state is very long lived.