Phase locking in quantum and classical oscillators: polariton condensates, lasers, and arrays of Josephson junctions

TL;DR

This paper explores phase locking in quantum and classical oscillators, including polariton condensates, lasers, and Josephson junction arrays, using Dicke-type models to unify their descriptions.

Contribution

It provides a unified framework connecting quantum and classical phase locking phenomena across different physical systems.

Findings

Dicke-type models effectively describe diverse phase-locking phenomena.

Quantum and classical oscillators can be analyzed within a common theoretical framework.

The distinctions between quantum and classical, strongly and weakly damped systems are clarified.

Abstract

We connect three phenomena in which a coherent electromagnetic field could be generated: polariton condensation, phase-locking in arrays of underdamped Josephson junctions, and lasing. All these phenomena have been described using Dicke-type models of spins coupled to a single photon mode. These descriptions may be distinguished by whether the spins are quantum or classical, and whether they are strongly or weakly damped.