Abstract
We theoretically study the bound states of interacting photons propagating in a waveguide chirally coupled to an array of atoms. We demonstrate that the bound photon pairs can concentrate at the edge of the array and link this to the non-Hermitian skin effect. Unlike tight-binding non-Hermitian setups, the bound states in the waveguide-coupled array exhibit infinite radiative lifetimes when the array has an infinite size. However, in a finite array, non-Hermiticity and localization of bound pairs emerge due to their chiral dissociation into scattering states. Counterintuitively, when the photons are preferentially emitted to the right, the bound pairs are localized at the left edge of the array and vice versa.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Article number | 233602 |
| Pages (from-to) | 233602 |
| Number of pages | 6 |
| Journal | Physical Review Letters |
| Volume | 134 |
| Issue number | 23 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 13 Jun 2025 |
Funding
We thank Ekaterina Vlasiuk and Janet Zhong for valuable discussions. The work of A. N. P. has been supported by research grants from the Minerva Foundation, from the Center for New Scientists, and the Center for Scientific Excellence at the Weizmann Institute of Science.
All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes
- General Physics and Astronomy