Topological phases and directional amplification in multimode optomechanical systems.
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Cambridge
Department Name: Physics
Abstract
Recent experimental advances in the field of cavity optomechanics have led to the exciting possibility of realizing optomechanical arrays. In this project, we intend to explore novel topological phases in multimode optomechanical settings. In particular, we will focus on the situation where dissipation induces a non-trivial band topology. We will investigate directional (non-reciprocal) optical and mechanical edge-state amplification, as well as the impact of topology on quantum resources, such as multimode entanglement.
Organisations
People |
ORCID iD |
| Andreas Nunnenkamp (Primary Supervisor) | |
| Clara Wanjura (Student) |
Studentship Projects
| Project Reference | Relationship | Related To | Start | End | Student Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP/N509620/1 | 01/10/2016 | 30/09/2022 | |||
| 2127187 | Studentship | EP/N509620/1 | 01/10/2018 | 30/09/2021 | Clara Wanjura |
| EP/R513180/1 | 01/10/2018 | 30/09/2023 | |||
| 2127187 | Studentship | EP/R513180/1 | 01/10/2018 | 30/09/2021 | Clara Wanjura |
| Description | We studied a novel type of topological transport that arises in driven-dissipative quantum systems. In particular, we established the previously unknown connection between non-trivial, non-Hermitian topology and directional amplification, which allows to amplify a signal in one direction while attenuating (or blocking) it in the reverse. Directional amplifiers play an important role to amplify weak signals from fragile sources while protecting them against noise and back-scattering, for instance, to read out super-conducting qubits. Furthermore, we found that this topological, directional amplification is remarkably robust against disorder which paves the way for novel applications based on this principle. The system we propose can be realised with state-of-the-art platforms such as superconducting circuits, optomechanics, photonic crystals, nano-cavity arrays or topolectric circuits. Our results are both of practical merit, since technological applications may open up (such as topological amplifiers, topological sensors or lasers), as well as of fundamental interest, since such a clearly observable, physical signature of non-Hermitian topology was missing before. More generally, our work sheds light on the role of topology in open quantum systems. This opens up new experimental challenges, such as measuring the signatures we predict and realising novel devices, and new theoretical questions e.g. pertaining to the role of symmetries, higher dimensional systems, non-linear systems, or more concretely to the design of topological sensors and non-Hermitian topological lases. Indeed, we are currently addressing some of these questions and also started to collaborate with experimental groups. |
| Exploitation Route | Apart from developing our ideas further both on a theoretical and experimental level in an academic context, they may also find application in technology. For instance, directional amplifier simplify signal routing. Directionality can enhance the information capacity of communication technologies while compensating for attenuation losses. This is also relevant for information processing. In the context of quantum information, topological directional amplifiers could play an important role to manipulate and read out qubits. Taking our ideas further, the same notion of topology may enable topologically protected sensors with exponential sensitivity or lasers. |
| Sectors | Digital/Communication/Information Technologies (including Software),Other |
| Description | Winton Programme for the Physics of Sustainability |
| Amount | £51,719 (GBP) |
| Organisation | University of Cambridge |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 10/2018 |
| End | 03/2022 |