Solving Dicke superradiance analytically: A compendium of methods

Holzinger R, Bassler NS, Lyne J, Jimenez FG, Gohsrich JT, Genes C (2026)

Publication Type: Journal article

Publication year: 2026

Journal

Physical Review A American Physical Society

Book Volume: 113

Pages Range: 1-12

Article Number: 043718

Journal Issue: 4

DOI: 10.1103/9P44-KWFL

Abstract

We present several analytical approaches to the Dicke superradiance problem, which involves determining the time evolution of the density operator for an initially inverted ensemble of N identical two-level systems undergoing collective spontaneous emission. This serves as one of the simplest cases of open quantum system dynamics that allows for a fully analytical solution. We explore multiple methods to tackle this problem, yielding a solution valid for any time and any number of emitters. These approaches range from solving coupled rate equations and identifying exceptional points in non-Hermitian evolution to employing combinatorial and probabilistic techniques, as well as utilizing a quantum jump unraveling of the master equation. The analytical solution is expressed as a residue sum obtained from a contour integral in the complex plane, suggesting the possibility of fully analytical solutions for a broader class of open quantum system dynamics problems.

Involved external institutions

Harvard University US United States (USA) (US) Max-Planck-Institut für die Physik des Lichts (MPL) / Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light DE Germany (DE) Technische Universität Darmstadt DE Germany (DE) Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú PE Peru (PE)

How to cite

APA:

Holzinger, R., Bassler, N.S., Lyne, J., Jimenez, F.G., Gohsrich, J.T., & Genes, C. (2026). Solving Dicke superradiance analytically: A compendium of methods. Physical Review A, 113(4), 1-12. https://doi.org/10.1103/9P44-KWFL

MLA:

Holzinger, R., et al. "Solving Dicke superradiance analytically: A compendium of methods." Physical Review A 113.4 (2026): 1-12.

BibTeX: Download