Observation of $\mathcal{P}\mathcal{T}$-symmetric quantum coherence in a single ion system

Abstract

Parity-time($\mathcal{P}\mathcal{T}$)-symmetric systems, featuring real eigenvalues despite its non-Hermitian nature, have been widely utilized to achieve exotic functionalities in the classical realm, such as loss-induced transparency or lasing revival. By approaching the exceptional point (EP) or the coalescences of both eigenvalues and eigenstates, unconventional effects are also expected to emerge in pure quantum $\mathcal{P}\mathcal{T}$ devices. Here, we report experimental evidences of spontaneous $\mathcal{P}\mathcal{T}$ symmetry breaking in a single cold ${}^{40}{\mathrm{Ca}}^{+}$ ion, and more importantly, a counterintuitive effect of perfect quantum coherence occurring at the EP. Excellent agreement between experimental results and theoretical predictions is identified. In view of the versatile role of cold ions in building quantum memory or processor, our experiment provides a new platform to explore and utilize pure quantum EP effects, with diverse applications in quantum engineering of trapped ions.

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• Making Sense of Non-Hermitian Hamiltonians
• Loss-induced suppression and revival of lasing
• Visualization of Branch Points in PT-Symmetric Waveguides
• PT-Symmetric Phonon Laser
• Observation of parity-time symmetry breaking in a single spin system
• Faster than Hermitian Quantum Mechanics
• The Naimark dilated PT-symmetric brachistochrone
• Mixed-state evolution in the presence of gain and loss
• Quantum Zeno effects across a parity-time symmetry breaking transition in atomic momentum space
• Unification of quantum Zeno-anti Zeno effects and parity-time symmetry breaking transitions

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