Probing Time Reversal Symmetry Breaking using a Nonlinear Superconducting Ring Resonator

TL;DR

This paper proposes a superconducting ring resonator-based scheme to detect time-reversal symmetry breaking in quantum materials, utilizing nonlinear dynamics and quantum analysis for enhanced sensitivity.

Contribution

It introduces a novel multimode superconducting resonator approach leveraging Kerr nonlinearities for sensitive TRSB detection in quantum materials.

Findings

Nonlinear interactions enable symmetry breaking detection even with weak TRSB signals.

Optimal parameters drive the system into symmetric states that reveal TRSB effects.

Quantum analysis shows Kerr nonlinearities up-convert magnetic effects for better probing.

Abstract

Time-reversal symmetry breaking (TRSB) has been central to detecting exotic phases of matter. Here, we leverage the circuit electrodynamics capabilities of superconducting devices to propose a novel scheme based on a multimode superconducting ring resonator for sensitive probing of TRSB in quantum materials. A ring resonator enables nonlinear cross-interactions between the modes which act as an built-in amplifiers to be harnessed for enhanced sensing. Using a driven-dissipative model, we explore the nonlinear dynamics of a two-mode superconducting circuit with self- and cross-Kerr nonlinearities under conditions near the bifurcation threshold. By mapping the optimal parameter regimes, we show that even when the photon occupation numbers are subjected to different initial conditions, they can be driven into a symmetric configuration which is broken even with weak TRSB. Through full quantum analysis we demonstrate that the Kerr-nonlinear interactions up-convert the magnetic effects of material-resonator hybrid system, enhancing the probing of TRSB. Our findings highlight the utility of superconducting microwave resonators outside of quantum information processing, as a tool for probing exotic states of matter.