Chiral quantum optics: recent developments, and future directions

TL;DR

This paper reviews recent advances in chiral quantum optics, highlighting new solid-state platforms, experimental challenges, and future opportunities for exploring exotic quantum phenomena through asymmetric light-matter interactions.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive overview of recent developments, emphasizing solid-state systems and discussing future directions in chiral quantum optics.

Findings

Expansion of platforms from atomic to solid-state systems

Identification of key experimental challenges

Potential to observe exotic quantum many-body phenomena

Abstract

Chiral quantum optics is a growing field of research where light-matter interactions become asymmetrically dependent on momentum and spin, offering novel control over photonic and electronic degrees of freedom. Recently, the platforms for investigating chiral light-matter interactions have expanded from laser-cooled atoms and quantum dots to various solid-state systems, such as microcavity polaritons and two-dimensional layered materials, integrated into photonic structures like waveguides, cavities, and ring resonators. In this perspective, we begin by establishing the foundation for understanding and engineering these chiral light-matter regimes. We review the cutting-edge platforms that have enabled their successful realization in recent years, focusing on solid-state platforms, and discuss the most relevant experimental challenges to fully harness their potential. Finally, we explore the vast opportunities these chiral light-matter interfaces present, particularly their ability to reveal exotic quantum many-body phenomena, such as chiral many-body superradiance and fractional quantum Hall physics.