Spontaneous emergence of a spin state for an emitter in a time-varying medium

Abstract

Time varying media can dramatically modify the emission of embedded sources by producing time reversed waves refocusing on the source. Here we show that such a back action can create an angular momentum by setting the source in a spontaneous spin state. We experimentally implement this coupling using self-propelled bouncing droplets sources coupled to the surface waves they emit on a parametrically excited bath. The spin state dynamics result from a self-organized interplay between the source motion and the time reversed waves. The discrete stability analysis agrees with the experimental observations. In addition, we show that these spin states provide a unique opportunity for an experimental access to parameters enabling comparison and calibration of the various existing models.