Emergent parametric resonances and time-crystal phases in driven Bardeen-Cooper-Schrieffer systems

We study the out-of-equilibrium dynamics of a Bardeen-Cooper-Schrieffer condensate subject to a periodic drive. We demonstrate that the combined effect of drive and interactions results in emerging parametric resonances, analogous to a vertically driving pendulum. In particular, Arnold tongues appear when the driving frequency matches 2 Delta(0)/n, with n being a natural number and Delta(0 )being the equilibrium gap parameter. Inside the Arnold tongues we find a commensurate time-crystal condensate which retains the U(1) symmetry breaking of the parent superfluid/superconducting phase and shows an additional time-translational symmetry breaking. Outside these tongues, the synchronized collective Higgs mode found in quench protocols is stabilized without the need of a strong perturbation. Our results are directly relevant to cold-atom and condensed-matter systems and do not require very long energy relaxation times to be observed.

Automated summary

We studied the out-of-equilibrium dynamics of a BCS condensate under periodic drive and discovered emerging parametric resonances. Arnold tongues appear when the driving frequency matches a specific value, leading to a commensurate time-crystal condensate. Outside these tongues, the synchronized collective Higgs mode is stabilized without strong perturbation.