Dispersive and dissipative coupling of photon Bose-Einstein condensates

Coherently-coupled optical systems with different types of couplings between coherent centres are promising platforms for optical simulations of spin glasses and, therefore, for optical optimization. Here, an experimental implementation of dissipative and dispersive couplings is realized between two photon Bose-Einstein condensates, extending the range of physical models that can be addressed with optical simulators. The synchronization of coherent states of light has long been an important subject of basic research and technology. Recently, a new concept for analog computers has emerged where this synchronization process can be exploited to solve computationally hard problems - potentially faster and more energy-efficient than what can be achieved with conventional computer technology today. The unit cell of such systems consists of two coherent centers that are coupled to one another in a controlled manner. Here, we experimentally characterize and analyze the synchronization process of two photon Bose-Einstein condensates, which are coupled to one another, either dispersively or dissipatively. We show that both types of coupling are robust against a detuning of the condensate frequencies and show similar time constants in establishing mutual coherence. Significant differences between these couplings arise in the behaviour of the condensate populations under imbalanced optical pumping. The combination of these two types of coupling extends the class of physical models that can be investigated using analog simulations.

Automated summary

Coherently-coupled optical systems with different types of couplings between coherent centres have been realized using two photon Bose-Einstein condensates, extending the range of physical models that can be addressed with optical simulators. The synchronization process of the condensates, either dispersively or dissipatively coupled, is characterized and analyzed experimentally, showing that both types of coupling are robust and have similar time constants in establishing mutual coherence. The combination of these two types of coupling extends the class of physical models that can be investigated using analog simulations.