1. Direct observation of quantum percolation dynamics
- Author
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Zhen Feng, Bing-Hong Wu, Hao Tang, Lu-Feng Qiao, Xiao-Wei Wang, Xiao-Yun Xu, Zhi-Qiang Jiao, Jun Gao, and Xian-Min Jin
- Subjects
Quantum Physics ,Condensed Matter - Materials Science ,Materials Science (cond-mat.mtrl-sci) ,FOS: Physical sciences ,Electrical and Electronic Engineering ,Quantum Physics (quant-ph) ,Atomic and Molecular Physics, and Optics ,Optics (physics.optics) ,Physics - Optics ,Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials ,Biotechnology - Abstract
Percolation, describing critical behaviors of phase transition in a geometrical context, prompts wide investigations in natural and social networks as a fundamental model. The introduction of quantum-intrinsic interference and tunneling brings percolation into quantum regime with more fascinating phenomena and unique features, which, however, hasn't been experimentally explored yet. Here we present an experimental demonstration of quantum transport in hexagonal percolation lattices by successfully mapping such large-scale porous structures into a photonic chip using femtosecond laser direct writing techniques. A quantum percolation threshold of 80% is observed in the prototyped laser-written lattices with up to 1,600 waveguides, which is significantly larger than the classical counterpart of 63%. We also investigate the spatial confinement by localization parameters and exhibit the transition from ballistic to diffusive propagation with the decrease of the occupation probability. Direct observation of quantum percolation may deepen the understanding of the relation among materials, quantum transport, geometric quenching, disorder and localization, and inspire applications for quantum technologies., 21 pages, 5 figures, 1 table, comments welcome
- Published
- 2022