Abstract:

Recently, theoretical studies have advertised electromagnetic resonator arrays in circuit QED, coherently coupled to artificial atoms (e.g., superconducting qubits) as a new venue for constructing quantum simulators for strongly correlated states of matter [1]. In this Talk, we introduce the Jaynes-Cummings lattice model and discuss the Mott-Superfluid transition of light in these systems [1,2]. We also discuss a correspondence with the celebrated Bose-Hubbard model [2]. Then, we explore the possibilities of breaking timereversal symmetry in such interacting photon systems using on-chip circulators [3] allowing to engineer artificial gauge fields and realize novel topological phases. Similar phases have been predicted by Raghu and Haldane in photonic crystals [4] and have been recently observed [5]. Finally, we discuss the effect of interactions on topological electron band insulators [6].

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[2] J. Koch and K. Le Hur, Phys. Rev. A 80 , 023811 (2009).

[3] J. Koch, A. Houck, K. Le Hur and S. M. Girvin, Phys. Rev. A 82 , 043811 (2010). See also Viewpoint A. D. Greentree and A. M. Martin, Physics 3 , 85 (2010).

[4] F. D. M. Haldane and S. Raghu, Phys. Rev. Lett. 100 , 013904 (2008). Viewpoint A. D. Greentree and A. M. Martin, Physics 3 , 85 (2010).

[5] Z. Wang et al. Nature (London) 461 , 772 (2009).

[6] S. Rachel and Karyn Le Hur, Phys. Rev. B 82, 075106 (2010); D. Pesin and L. Balents, Nature Phys. 6 376, 2010; B. J. Yang and Y.B. Kim, arXiv:1004.4630.