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arXiv · 2509.05290

Excitable quantum systems: the bosonic avalanche laser

Louis Garbe·Peter Rabl
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Abstract

We investigate the dynamics of a lasing system driven by a current of bosonic (quasi-)particles via a dissipative three-mode mixing process. A semi-classical analysis of this system predicts distinct dynamical regimes, where both the cavity mode and the gain medium can undergo lasing transitions. Of particular interest is an intermediate self-pulsing phase that exhibits the characteristics of an excitable system and converts random input signals into separated, quasi-periodic pulses at the output. By performing exact Monte-Carlo simulations, we extend this analysis into the quantum regime and show that despite being dominated by huge bosonic particle number fluctuations, this effect -- reminiscent of coherence resonance -- survives even for rather low average photon numbers. Our system thus represents an intriguing model of an excitable quantum many-body system, with practical relevance for quantum detectors or autonomous quantum machines. As an illustration, we discuss the realization of this system with superconducting quantum circuits and its application as a number-resolved avalanche detector for microwave photons.

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Louis Garbe, Peter Rabl. 2026-03-27. Excitable quantum systems: the bosonic avalanche laser. https://doi.org/10.1103/xn1v-mwvm

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