Dynamical signatures of topological states in photon condensates (C07*)

• Subject Area: Optics, Quantum Optics and Physics of Atoms, Molecules and Plasmas ; Theoretical Condensed Matter Physics
• Term: since 2024
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 277625399

In a collaboration of theory and experiment we study bosons in 1D lattices with topological properties inherited from a coupling to the environment. The experiments will be carried out using arrays of photon condensates inside dye-filled microcavities with spatially controlled gain and loss. By investigating the photon dynamics, we will perform the first measurement of a topological invariant for open-system topological phases. Furthermore, we will probe the robustness of the edge states against disorder and the role of exceptional points on the energy bands. In a theoretical advance we will consider the impact of interactions on non-Hermitian quantum systems.

• DFG Programme: CRC/Transregios
• Subproject of: TRR 185: Open System Control of Atomic and Photonic Matter (OSCAR)
• Major Instrumentation: Humamatasu Universal Streak Camera
• Applicant Institution: Rheinland-Pfälzische Technische Universität Kaiserslautern-Landau
• Project Heads: Professor Dr. David Luitz; Dr. Julian Schmitt