Aging transition in coupled quantum oscillators

TL;DR

This paper explores the quantum analog of aging transition in networks of active and inactive quantum oscillators, revealing unique quantum features such as partial oscillation reduction and dependence on nonlinear damping.

Contribution

It introduces the concept of quantum aging transition, highlighting differences from classical behavior and identifying a critical fraction of inactive oscillators and the role of nonlinear damping.

Findings

Quantum aging involves reduction in mean boson number, not complete collapse.

A critical 'knee' value of inactive oscillators triggers aging.

Quantum aging depends on nonlinear damping parameter.

Abstract

Aging transition is an emergent behavior observed in networks consisting of active (self-oscillatory) and inactive (non self-oscillatory) nodes, where the network transits from a global oscillatory state to an oscillation collapsed state when the fraction of inactive oscillators surpasses a critical value. However, the aging transition in quantum domain has not been studied yet. In this paper we investigate the quantum manifestation of aging transition in a network of active-inactive quantum oscillators. We show that, unlike classical case, the quantum aging is not characterized by a complete collapse of oscillation but by sufficient reduction in the mean boson number. We identify a critical ``knee" value in the fraction of inactive oscillators around which quantum aging occurs in two different ways. Further, in stark contrast to the classical case, quantum aging transition depends upon the nonlinear damping parameter. We also explain the underlying processes leading to quantum aging that have no counterpart in the classical domain.