title: Quantum synchronization of a driven self-sustained oscillator.
abstract: Synchronization is a universal phenomenon that is important both in fundamental studies and in technical applications. Here we investigate synchronization in the simplest quantum-mechanical scenario possible, i.e., a quantum-mechanical self-sustained oscillator coupled to an external harmonic drive. Using the power spectrum we analyze synchronization in terms of frequency entrainment and frequency locking in close analogy to the classical case. We show that there is a steplike crossover to a synchronized state as a function of the driving strength. In contrast to the classical case, there is a finite threshold value in driving. Quantum noise reduces the synchronized region and leads to a deviation from strict frequency locking.
authors.affiliation: Department of Physics, University of Basel, Klingelbergstrasse 82, CH-4056 Basel, Switzerland.
authors.forename: Stefan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Walter
authors.affiliation: Department of Physics, University of Basel, Klingelbergstrasse 82, CH-4056 Basel, Switzerland.
authors.forename: Andreas
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Nunnenkamp
authors.affiliation: Department of Physics, University of Basel, Klingelbergstrasse 82, CH-4056 Basel, Switzerland.
authors.forename: Christoph
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Bruder
mesh_terms: D008962:Models, Theoretical; D017711:Nonlinear Dynamics; D009991:Oscillometry / Q000379:methods; D011789:Quantum Theory