Switching classical and quantum nonreciprocities with spinning photonics

Abstract: We study how to achieve, manipulate, and switch classical or quantum nonreciprocal effects of light with a spinning Kerr resonator. In particular, we show that even when there is no classical nonreciprocity (i.e., with the same mean number of photons for both clockwise and counterclockwise propagating modes), it is still possible to realize nonreciprocity of quantum correlations of photons in such a device. Also, by tuning the angular velocity and the optical backscattering strength, higher-order quantum nonreciprocity can appear, featuring qualitatively different third-order optical correlations, even in the absence of any nonreciprocity for both the mean photon number and its second-order correlations. The possibility to switch a single device between a classical isolator and a purely quantum directional system can provide more functions for nonreciprocal materials and new opportunities to realize novel quantum effects and applications, such as nonreciprocal multi-photon blockade, one-way photon bundles, and backaction-immune quantum communications.