Physicists from Exeter and Trondheim have developed a theory that describes how spatial reflections and time-reversed symmetries can be used to better control transport within quantum materials and related relationships. It is reported that two theoretical physicists from the University of Exeter in the UK and the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (located in Trondheim, Norway) have established a quantum theory.
The theory describes a chain of quantum resonators that satisfies space reflection and time reversal symmetries. They show how different quantum stages of this chain are linked to significant phenomena, which could be useful for the design of future quantum devices that rely on strong correlations.
A common distinction in physics is that between open and closed systems. A closed system is isolated from any external environment, so energy can be conserved because it has nowhere to escape. Open systems, on the other hand, are connected to the outside world, and they are affected by energy gains and losses through exchanges with the environment. In fact, there is an important third situation: a situation between open and closed that occurs when the energy flowing into and out of the system reaches a delicate balance. This balance occurs when the system obeys the combined symmetries of space and time.
In their latest research, Downing and Saroka discuss the stages of quantum chain resonators that satisfy spatial reflection and time reversal symmetry. It is reported that there are two main stages that interest them - a trivial stage (accompanied by intuitive physics) and a non-trivial stage (marked by amazing physics). The boundary between these two phases is marked by an exception point. The researchers discovered the location of these exception points for chains with any number of resonators, providing insight into the expansion of quantum systems that obey these symmetries. Importantly, the nonlinear phase allows for unconventional transport effects and strong quantum correlations, which may be exploited to control the behavior and propagation of light at nanometer length scales.
This theoretical research may help generate, manipulate and control light in low-dimensional quantum materials, with a view to building light-based devices. The device will use photons (particles of light) as its working machines, measuring about a billionth of a meter.
Charles Downing from the University of Exeter commented: "Our work on parity-time symmetries in open quantum systems further highlights how symmetries underpin our understanding of the physical world. and how we can benefit from it."
Vasil Saroka from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology added: "We hope that our theoretical work on parity-time symmetry will inspire research in this exciting physics. Further experimental research in the field."