Single excitation swap in a modified Jaynes-Cummings-Hubbard lattice

TL;DR

This paper introduces a one-dimensional hybrid quantum lattice model that enables controlled transport and conversion of quantum excitations, with potential applications in quantum networks and simulators.

Contribution

It presents a novel lattice configuration allowing for the coherent propagation and type swapping of single excitations in a controlled manner.

Findings

Controlled excitation type swapping is achievable under specific impedance-matching conditions.

The model demonstrates tunable transport of atomic, photonic, or polaritonic excitations.

Quantum correlations are maintained during excitation transport and conversion.

Abstract

Controlling the transport and nature of quantum excitations in low-dimensional systems is a key requirement for scalable quantum devices, including communication networks and quantum simulators. We propose a one-dimensional hybrid quantum lattice model, in which each lattice unit integrates a single-mode resonator that interacts with a two-level system (TLS), featuring direct coupling between adjacent TLSs. This configuration enables the coherent propagation of excitations with tunable atomic, photonic, or polaritonic character. Beyond conventional single-excitation transport, we demonstrate that appropriate impedance-matching and resonance conditions allow for the controlled swapping of excitation type as the excitation propagates along the lattice. We analyze the resulting dynamics using local observables and pairwise concurrence to track both transport and quantum correlations. Our results establish a minimal platform for controlled single-excitation conversion, with direct relevance to hybrid quantum networks, on-chip quantum interconnects, and engineered quantum simulators.