Topology and Interactions in a Qubit Array Coupled to a Waveguide

Abstract

Waveguide quantum electrodynamic (waveguide QED) systems (arrays of qubits coupled to a waveguide) can exhibit a vast array of phenomena from collective effects, non-trivial topology to novel localisation effects. This thesis is the first study of a long-range coupled topological waveguide QED system. The existence of topological edge states for when one photon is incident on a spatially modulated qubit array is numerically verified and the results are analogous to a photonic crystal set-up in Ref. [1]. This thesis then goes beyond the single photon regime to consider the effect of interactions for when two photons are incident in the qubit array. Bound photon pairs and bound pair edge states are readily observed. Numerical results suggest that the bound pair edge states are topologically non-trivial, however, a topological invariant should be calculated before making stronger conclusive statements. Even more interestingly, the two-photon qubit array can also exhibit a self-induced localised state. This appears to be a completely unexplored effect that can connect many body physics, collective effects as well as topological properties. The exotic topological properties of these waveguide QED systems are promising developments in the growing field of quantum topological photonics which is said to have large potential for quantum computing technologies. The novel localised states also reveals that the physics of waveguide QED systems are richer than expected with many unexplored phenomena.