We consider theoretically a driven-dissipative quantum many-body system
consisting of an atomic ensemble in a single-mode optical cavity as described
by the open Tavis-Cummings model. In this hybrid light-matter system the
interplay between coherent and dissipative processes leads to superradiant
pulses with a build-up of strong correlations, even for systems comprising
hundreds to thousands of particles. A central feature of the mean-field
dynamics is a self-reversal of two spin degrees of freedom due to an underlying
time-reversal symmetry, which is broken by quantum fluctuations. We demonstrate
a quench protocol that can maintain highly non-Gaussian states over long time
scales. This general mechanism offers interesting possibilities for the
generation and control of complex fluctuation patterns, as suggested for the
improvement of quantum sensing protocols for dissipative spin-amplification.Comment: 7 pages, 5 figures, 4 pages supplementa