Phase locking in quantum and classical oscillators: polariton condensates, lasers, and arrays of Josephson junctions

Abstract

We connect three phenomena in which a coherent electromagnetic field could be generated: polariton condensation, phase-locking in arrays of underdamped Josephson junctions, and lasing. All these phenomena have been described using Dicke-type models of spins coupled to a single photon mode. These descriptions may be distinguished by whether the spins are quantum or classical, and whether they are strongly or weakly damped.Comment: 6 pages, RevTex. To appear in a special edition of Solid State Communications on "Quantum Phases at the Nanoscale