Researchers from the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC) have developed an innovative on-chip photonic simulator using thin-film lithium niobate chips, simplifying quantum simulations of complex structures. This breakthrough allows for high-dimensional synthetic dimensions with reduced modulation frequencies. Led by Prof. Chuanfeng Li, the team’s method efficiently models arbitrary-range coupled frequency lattices with gauge potential, as detailed in a publication in Physical Review Letters.
Quantum simulators are essential for understanding complex system behaviors, crucial for advancing quantum physics. The USTC team overcame challenges in simulating intricate structures like atomic chains by using thin-film lithium niobate chips. These chips, known for their high electro-optic coefficient, facilitate the creation of frequency domain lattices. By periodically modulating an on-chip resonator, they successfully observed band structures, enabling significant coupling while lowering modulation frequency requirements by over five orders of magnitude.
The focus on low-frequency modulation, reducing frequencies from approximately 100 GHz to 10 MHz, enhances the design feasibility and eases the demands on supporting equipment. This advancement is not only scalable for higher-dimensional models but also serves as a pivotal step in synthetic dimensions research on photonic chips, garnering praise for opening new avenues in the field.
