Giant Atoms in a Synthetic Frequency Dimension

Abstract: Giant atoms that interact with real-space waveguides at multiple spatial points have attracted extensive attention due to their unique interference effects. Here we propose a feasible scheme for constructing giant atoms in a synthetic frequency dimension with, e.g., a dynamically modulated superconducting resonator and a tailored three-level artificial atom. Both analytical and numerical calculations show good agreement between our scheme and real-space two-level giant atoms. In particular, the symmetry of the model in momentum space can be broken by tuning the phase of the external field applied on the atom, enabling chiral interactions between the atom and the frequency lattice. We further demonstrate the possibility of simulating cascaded interaction and directional excitation transfer in the frequency dimension by directly extending our model to involve more such effective giant atoms.