Sudden change of the photon output field marks phase transitions in the quantum Rabi model.

The experimental observation of quantum phase transitions predicted by the quantum Rabi model in quantum critical systems is usually challenging due to the lack of signature experimental observables associated with them. Here, we describe a method to identify the dynamical critical phenomenon in the quantum Rabi model consisting of a three-level atom and a cavity at the quantum phase transition. Such a critical phenomenon manifests itself as a sudden change of steady-state output photons in the system driven by two classical fields, when both the atom and the cavity are initially unexcited. The process occurs as the high-frequency pump field is converted into the low-frequency Stokes field and multiple cavity photons in the normal phase, while this conversion cannot occur in the superradiant phase. The sudden change of steady-state output photons is an experimentally accessible measure to probe quantum phase transitions, as it does not require preparing the equilibrium state. Quantum Rabi model as an outstanding model can support superradiant phase transitions, and gets increasing interest in the quantum physics. This work presents an effective method to demonstrate the dynamical critical phenomenon in quantum Rabi model without preparing the Confirmed equilibrium state, i.e., a sudden change of the photon number distribution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]