Discrete time crystal in an open optomechanical system

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates the emergence of a discrete time crystal in a driven-dissipative optomechanical system with two membranes, showing a superradiant phase transition and persistent subharmonic oscillations.

Contribution

It introduces a novel realization of a discrete time crystal in an open optomechanical system, mapping it to an open Dicke model and analyzing its phase transition and dynamical behavior.

Findings

System exhibits superradiant phase transition.

Persistent subharmonic oscillations observed.

System can be mapped to an open Dicke model.

Abstract

The spontaneous breaking of time translation symmetry in periodically driven Floquet systems can lead to a discrete time crystal. Here we study the occurrence of such dynamical phase in a driven-dissipative optomechanical system with two membranes in the middle. We find that, under certian conditions, the system can be mapped to an open Dicke model and realizes a superradianttype phase transition. Furthermore, applying a suitable periodically modulated drive, the system dynamics exhibits a robust subharmonic oscillation persistent in the thermodynamic limit.