arXiv · 2510.26295
Quantum predator-prey cycles in dissipative Rydberg array
Abstract
The predator-prey cycle is a paradigmatic example of self-organized population oscillations in far-from-equilibrium systems, yet testing its underlying mechanism in natural ecosystems is often precluded by uncontrollable microscopic parameters. Here, we propose a quantum analogue of predator-prey dynamics using a tunable two-dimensional Rydberg atom array. Through mean-field analysis and large-scale numerical simulations based on the open-system discrete truncated Wigner approximation, we demonstrate stable predator-prey cycles of Rydberg excitations on microsecond timescales. We show that nonperturbative quantum coherence drives spontaneous time-translation symmetry breaking, leading to globally synchronized oscillations under short-range interactions. Even under desynchronization caused by quantum jumps, locally synchronized predator-prey cycles persist, with amplitude scaling inversely with the square root of the system size. Our work extends the study of predator-prey models to the quantum realm and advances quantum simulation strategies that leverage engineered many-body nonequilibrium effects.
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Ya-Xin Xiang, Weibin Li, Zhengyang Bai, Yu-Qiang Ma. 2025-10-30. Quantum predator-prey cycles in dissipative Rydberg array. https://arxiv.org/abs/2510.26295
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