Dissipative phase transitions in optomechanical systems

We show that optomechanical quantum systems can undergo dissipative phase transitions within the limit of a small nonlinear interaction and strong external drive. In such a defined thermodynamical limit, the nonlinear interaction stabilizes optomechanical dynamics in strong- and ultrastrong-coupling regimes. As a consequence, optomechanical systems possess a rich phase diagram consisting of periodic orbits and discontinuous and continuous dissipative phase transitions with and without bifurcation. We also find a critical point where continuous and discontinuous dissipative phase transition lines meet. Our analysis demonstrates that optomechanical systems are valuable for understanding the rich physics of dissipative phase transitions and ultrastrong-coupling regimes.

Automated summary

We demonstrate that optomechanical quantum systems can undergo dissipative phase transitions when the nonlinear interaction is small and the external drive is strong. In such defined thermodynamical limit, the nonlinear interaction stabilizes the optomechanical dynamics in strong and ultrastrong-coupling regimes. As a result, optomechanical systems exhibit a rich phase diagram with periodic orbits and discontinuous and continuous dissipative phase transitions with and without bifurcation. We also identify a critical point where continuous and discontinuous dissipative phase transition lines intersect. Our analysis highlights the importance of optomechanical systems in understanding the physics of dissipative phase transitions and ultrastrong-coupling regimes.