Floquet Dissipative Phase Transitions

Abstract: Dissipative phase transitions (DPTs) are traditionally characterized through the spectral properties of a time-independent Liouvillian superoperator. However, this definition cannot be applied to time-periodic (Floquet) systems that cannot be exactly recast into equivalent time-independent problems. In this article, we develop a general framework to characterize DPTs in time-periodic open quantum systems by analyzing the spectrum of the Floquet propagator. We first study driven-dissipative Kerr resonators, known to display a DPT, showing that counter-rotating terms in the drive induce a shift in the critical point and a significant change in the time scales associated with the transition. We then investigate DPTs in the driven quantum Rabi model and in its time-independent approximated counterpart, the driven Jaynes-Cummings model. We find that the Rabi model exhibits distinct critical features as the ultrastrong coupling regime is approached. Moreover, our Floquet analysis unveils the disappearance of the DPT in the deep strong coupling regime of the quantum Rabi model due to light-matter decoupling. Our rigorous approach sets the stage for the study of dissipative criticality in a broad class of time-dependent open quantum systems.