[Formula: see text] -symmetry from Lindblad dynamics in a linearized optomechanical system.

We analyze a lossy linearized optomechanical system in the red-detuned regime under the rotating wave approximation. This so-called optomechanical state transfer protocol provides effective lossy frequency converter (quantum beam-splitter-like) dynamics where the strength of the coupling between the electromagnetic and mechanical modes is controlled by the optical steady-state amplitude. By restricting to a subspace with no losses, we argue that the transition from mode-hybridization in the strong coupling regime to the damped-dynamics in the weak coupling regime, is a signature of the passive parity-time ([Formula: see text]) symmetry breaking transition in the underlying non-Hermitian quantum dimer. We compare the dynamics generated by the quantum open system (Langevin or Lindblad) approach to that of the [Formula: see text]-symmetric Hamiltonian, to characterize the cases where the two are identical. Additionally, we numerically explore the evolution of separable and correlated number states at zero temperature as well as thermal initial state evolution at room temperature. Our results provide a pathway for realizing non-Hermitian Hamiltonians in optomechanical systems at a quantum level.

Optimal crosstalk suppression in multicore fibers.

We study propagation in a cyclic symmetric multicore fiber where the core radii randomly fluctuate along the propagation direction. We propose a hybrid analytic-numerical method to optimize the amplitude and frequency of the fluctuations that suppress power transfer between outer and inner cores. This framework allows us to analytically find noise amplitude parameters that optimally suppress crosstalk. Our predictions are confirmed by numerical experiments using finite difference beam propagation methods for realistic C-band fibers. The analytic part of our method is general, provides the optimum fluctuation amplitude independent of the array geometry, as long as normal modes can be calculated. It works for both correlated and uncorrelated fluctuations allowing its use for any given optical system described by coupled mode theory.

Generation of a tunable environment for electrical oscillator systems.

Many physical, chemical, and biological systems can be modeled by means of random-frequency harmonic oscillator systems. Even though the noise-free evolution of harmonic oscillator systems can be easily implemented, the way to experimentally introduce, and control, noise effects due to a surrounding environment remains a subject of lively interest. Here, we experimentally demonstrate a setup that provides a unique tool to generate a fully tunable environment for classical electrical oscillator systems. We illustrate the operation of the setup by implementing the case of a damped random-frequency harmonic oscillator. The high degree of tunability and control of our scheme is demonstrated by gradually modifying the statistics of the oscillator's frequency fluctuations. This tunable system can readily be used to experimentally study interesting noise effects, such as noise-induced transitions in systems driven by multiplicative noise, and noise-induced transport, a phenomenon that takes place in quantum and classical coupled oscillator networks.

Highly efficient noise-assisted energy transport in classical oscillator systems.

Photosynthesis is a biological process that involves the highly efficient transport of energy captured from the Sun to a reaction center, where conversion into useful biochemical energy takes place. Using a quantum description, Rebentrost et al. [New J. Phys. 11, 033003 (2009)] and Plenio and Huelga [New J. Phys. 10, 113019 (2008)] have explained this high efficiency as the result of the interplay between the quantum coherent evolution of the photosynthetic system and noise introduced by its surrounding environment. Even though one can always use a quantum perspective to describe any physical process, since everything follows the laws of quantum mechanics, is the use of quantum theory imperative to explain this high efficiency? Recently, it has been shown by Eisfeld and Briggs [Phys. Rev. E 85, 046118 (2012)] that a purely classical model can be used to explain main aspects of the energy transfer in photosynthetic systems. Using this approach, we demonstrate explicitly here that highly efficient noise-assisted energy transport can be found as well in purely classical systems. The wider scope of applicability of the enhancement of energy transfer assisted by noise might open new ways for developing new technologies aimed at enhancing the efficiency of a myriad of energy transfer systems, from information channels in microelectronic circuits to long-distance high-voltage electrical lines.

Flux enhancement of photons entangled in orbital angular momentum.

Entangled photons are generally collected by detection systems that select their certain spatial modes, for example using single-mode optical fibers. We derive simple and easy-to-use expressions that allow us to maximize the coupling efficiency of entangled photons with specific orbital angular momentum (OAM) correlations generated by means of spontaneous parametric downconversion. Two different configurations are considered: one in which the beams with OAM are generated by conversion from beams without OAM, and the second when beams with OAM are generated directly from the nonlinear medium. Also, an example of how to generate a maximally entangled qutrit is presented.