Universality of Dicke superradiance in arrays of quantum emitters

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates that Dicke superradiance is a universal phenomenon in ordered arrays of quantum emitters, providing a theoretical framework to predict the conditions under which it occurs, with implications for quantum technologies.

Contribution

The authors develop a new theoretical approach that overcomes exponential complexity to predict the critical distance for superradiance in arrays of arbitrary dimensionality.

Findings

Superradiance occurs in ordered arrays up to a critical distance.

The critical distance depends on array dimensionality and atom number.

Predictions are testable with current experimental setups.

Abstract

Dicke superradiance is an example of emergence of macroscopic quantum coherence via correlated dissipation. Starting from an initially incoherent state, a collection of excited atoms synchronizes as they decay, generating a macroscopic dipole moment and emitting a short and intense pulse of light. While well understood in cavities, superradiance remains an open problem in extended systems due to the exponential growth of complexity with atom number. Here we show that Dicke superradiance is a universal phenomenon in ordered arrays. We present a theoretical framework -- which circumvents the exponential complexity of the problem -- that allows us to predict the critical distance beyond which Dicke superradiance disappears. This critical distance is highly dependent on the dimensionality and atom number. Our predictions can be tested in state of the art experiments with arrays of neutral atoms, molecules, and solid-state emitters and pave the way towards understanding the role of many-body decay in quantum simulation, metrology, and lasing.