Non-equilibrium quantum dynamics

Thermodynamic equilibrium defines a state of a system where there is no net flow of matter and energy on a macro scale. What happens if quantum systems in contact with thermal reservoirs are pushed out of equilibrium by external time periodic forces? Typically, stationary states appear that bear some similarities with equilibrium states while the nature of which can be tuned by the parameters of the external drive.  This gives access to tailored quantum states that are of relevance for quantum simulation or quantum sensing.

Our group focuses on single or ensembles of nonlinear quantum oscillators that are realized, for example, with superconducting devices. In collaboration with leading theoretical and experimental groups we explore dynamical properties of stationary states such as bifurcations, dissipative phase transitions, synchronization, time-reversal symmetry breaking, or the generation of multi-cat states.