Discrete time crystal in an open optomechanical system

Abstract

The spontaneous breaking of time translation symmetry in periodically driven Floquet systems can lead to a discrete time crystal. Here we study the occurrence of such dynamical phase in a driven-dissipative optomechanical system with two membranes in the middle. We find that, under certain conditions, the system can be mapped to an open Dicke model and realizes a superradiant-type phase transition. Furthermore, applying a suitable periodically modulated drive, the system dynamics exhibits a robust subharmonic oscillation persistent in the thermodynamic limit.