Nonreciprocity of intense light field and weak quantum signal in optomechanical systems with three-mode parametric interactions

TL;DR

This paper presents a reconfigurable optomechanical platform that achieves nonreciprocal light transmission for both classical and quantum signals using three-mode parametric interactions, with tunable parameters and lower power requirements.

Contribution

It introduces a modular three-mode optomechanical system capable of nonreciprocity for classical and quantum signals, with reconfigurability and reduced control power compared to two-mode systems.

Findings

Achieves nonreciprocal transmission for classical fields via asymmetric radiation pressure.

Reconfigurable platform enables quantum signal nonreciprocity through quantum interference.

Demonstrates lower control-field power requirements than two-mode systems.

Abstract

We demonstrate nonreciprocal optical transmission for both intense classical fields and weak quantum signals within a reconfigurable optomechanical platform driven by three-mode parametric interactions. The platform is modular, where each three-mode optomechanical system serves as a fundamental building block. Operating independently, a single block achieves nonreciprocity for classical fields. Specifically, asymmetric radiation pressure from intrinsic optomechanical nonlinearity induces nonreciprocal mechanical displacement, modulating the cavity intensity through optomechanical feedback. This enables full isolation of backward transmission without requiring parameter initialization. Alternatively, for quantum signals, the platform is reconfigured by activating photonic and phononic exchange channels between the two blocks. In this configuration, nonreciprocity arises from quantum interference between direct photon hopping and indirect conversion pathways. Constructive interference enables unidirectional low-loss transmission, while destructive interference completely suppresses the reverse direction. After adiabatically eliminating the auxiliary modes, the optimal nonreciprocal frequency and the trade-off between insertion loss and nonreciprocal bandwidth can be controlled by engineering optomechanically induced mechanical dissipation. Additionally, the three-mode-based device requires less control-field power than two-mode systems under resolved-sideband conditions, demonstrating versatile potential for optical nonreciprocity applications across classical and quantum domains.