Quantum manifestations of converse symmetry breaking

Abstract

Quantum synchronization holds promise in advancing quantum technologies such as sensing, communication, and computation. A key challenge in this rapidly developing field is to identify mechanisms that can promote the emergence of synchronous dynamics. Here, we show that quantum synchronization can be enhanced by introducing controlled heterogeneity in the form of coupling mismatches. Using spin van der Pol oscillators as a model system, we show that this mechanism constitutes a quantum analog of the phenomenon of converse symmetry breaking previously identified in classical oscillator networks, where a synchronous state is stabilized by explicit symmetry breaking. We quantify how quantum effects modify this behavior by tuning the degree of quantumness through variations of the spin quantum number. These findings suggest that quantum synchronization can be enhanced in experiments by harnessing rather than suppressing heterogeneity.