Optical System that Allows for Direct Observation of Photonic Josephson Effects

The interaction of light and matter has always fascinated physicists and layman as well. Recently a group of researchers led by Dr. W. M. Liu from Beijing National Laboratory for Condensed Matter Physics, Institute of Physics, CAS published their findings on Josephson effect for photons in Physical Review Letters.

The Josephson effect is the phenomenon of current flow across two weakly coupled superconductors, separated by a very thin insulating barrier. It has important applications in quantum-mechanical circuits, such as superconducting quantum interference devices.

Dr. W. M. Liu and his team successfully designed and built an optical system that allows for direct observation of the photonic Josephson effects in two weakly linked microcavities containing ultracold two-level atoms. By moving the ultracold atoms within one cavity, they simulated an analogous superconducting circuit and realized both the alternating- and direct-current (ac and dc) photonic Josephson effects.

The research provides a strategy for constructing novel interference devices of coherent photons and enables new investigations of the effect of many-body physics in strongly coupled atom-cavity systems.

Tell Us What You Think

Do you have a review, update or anything you would like to add to this news story?

Leave your feedback
Your comment type
Submit

While we only use edited and approved content for Azthena answers, it may on occasions provide incorrect responses. Please confirm any data provided with the related suppliers or authors. We do not provide medical advice, if you search for medical information you must always consult a medical professional before acting on any information provided.

Your questions, but not your email details will be shared with OpenAI and retained for 30 days in accordance with their privacy principles.

Please do not ask questions that use sensitive or confidential information.

Read the full Terms & Conditions.