The field of non-perturbative interactions has long been an area of interest for researchers, seeking to understand the strong interactions between light and matter that cannot be described by conventional perturbation theory. However, the role of quantum properties of light in these interactions has not been extensively explored. In a recent publication in Nature Physics, researchers from Technion–Israel Institute of Technology introduced a groundbreaking theory that delves into the physics underlying non-perturbative interactions driven by quantum light. This novel theory has the potential to guide future experiments in strong-field physics and contribute to the development of new quantum technologies.
This significant breakthrough was the result of a close collaboration between three research groups at Technion, led by Professors Ido Kaminer, Oren Cohen, and Michael Krueger. The research was spearheaded by co-first authors Alexey Gorlach and Matan Even Tsur, with valuable support and ideas from Michael Birk and Nick Rivera. The collective effort of this multidisciplinary team showcases the dedication and expertise required for such a groundbreaking discovery.
A key motivation behind this study was the attempt to unify various photonics phenomena under a single quantum theory-based framework. The first step toward this goal was made by Prof. Kaminer’s research group in 2020, with the publication of a paper in Nature Communications. This initial framework analyzed high harmonic generation (HHG), a highly nonlinear process involving the emission of high-harmonics of intense light pulses interacting with matter, through the lens of quantum optics. However, these experiments were solely driven by classical laser fields, raising the question of whether quantum light could generate intense enough conditions for HHG. Prof. Maria Chekhova’s previous works on bright squeezed vacuum provided inspiration for further investigation.
The collaborative team, led by Prof. Kaminer and Gorlach, developed a comprehensive framework to describe strong-field physics processes driven by quantum light. As a starting point, they applied this framework to HHG, predicting the changes that would occur if the process was driven by quantum light. Surprisingly, their findings revealed that fundamental features such as intensity and spectrum were noticeably altered when using a different quantum photon statistics for the driving light source. The paper also presented experimentally feasible scenarios that could only be explained by considering the photon statistics. These upcoming experiments hold immense importance for the field of strong-field quantum optics, further enhancing its impact.
It is essential to note that the work conducted by the research team was purely theoretical. Their paper introduced the first-ever theory of non-perturbative processes driven by quantum light and demonstrated how the quantum state of light affects measurable quantities, including the emitted spectrum. Their theory employed a unique approach, splitting the driving light into two representations known as the generalized Glauber distribution and the Husimi distribution. By simulating these parts separately using the time-dependent Schrodinger equation (TDSE) and combining the results, they were able to derive an overall understanding of the process. This integration of standard simulation tools into a quantum-optical calculation scheme sets their work apart and increases its utility for analyzing arbitrary quantum states of light and systems of emitters.
While the team’s groundbreaking theory focused on high harmonic generation, it has the potential to inform studies in various areas of physics. The theory can be extended to explore different non-perturbative processes driven by non-classical light sources. This theoretical prediction is on the brink of experimental validation and has significant implications for the generation of attosecond pulses, which underpin quantum sensing and imaging technologies. Published in Nature Photonics, their recent theory paper proposed controlling attosecond pulse profiles using the quantum nature of light, showcasing exciting possibilities. Additionally, the theory can be applied to other strong-field physics phenomena like the Compton effect, providing a basis for generating X-ray pulses.
Looking ahead, the research team intends to expand their theory beyond high harmonic generation and investigate quantum effects in various materials driven by intense light. This exciting development connects the advancements in quantum optics to the frontiers of condensed matter physics. The team anticipates performing the experiment discussed in their paper on the Compton effect and aims to continue pushing the boundaries of our understanding of quantum light and its interactions with matter.
The groundbreaking theory on non-perturbative interactions driven by quantum light, introduced by the collaborative efforts of researchers at Technion–Israel Institute of Technology, has opened new avenues of exploration in strong-field physics. This unifying framework has the potential to revolutionize our understanding of photonics phenomena and guide future experiments in this field. The theoretical validation and simulation techniques employed by the research team offer a powerful and flexible approach to analyze the complex interactions between light and matter. As they continue their journey, the team’s work promises to impact the development of quantum technology and deepen our understanding of the fundamental principles governing the quantum nature of light.
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