Topological chirality of dissipative limit cycles in an open Dicke model

Abstract:In an open, $U(1)$-symmetric Dicke model with chiral atom-cavity couplings, we show that dissipation drives two limit-cycle phases of opposite chirality in the thermodynamic limit, obtaining exact analytical solutions. These phases are separated by a $U(1)$-broken superradiant state, lending the phase diagram a topological character, and persist under $U(1)$-preserving perturbations, making them candidates for chiral continuous time crystals. In addition to stable normal and inverted steady states, the model also exhibits multistability, where the long-time dynamics is set by the initial state. Our results establish dissipation as a resource for inducing chiral dynamical order in light-matter coupled systems.

4.5 pages (main), 3 figures, 5 pages (suppl.)

Quantum Gases (cond-mat.quant-gas); Quantum Physics (quant-ph)

arXiv:2609.12126 [cond-mat.quant-gas]

(or arXiv:2609.12126v1 [cond-mat.quant-gas] for this version)

https://doi.org/10.48550/arXiv.2609.12126 Focus to learn more arXiv-issued DOI via DataCite (pending registration)

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