Memory effects in pulsed optomechanical systems
Phys. Rev. Applied 25, 044083 – Published 28 April, 2026
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/mxbn-15ry
Abstract
Memory, understood as time nonlocality, is a fundamental nonequilibrium feature that can arise in physical systems, whether classical or quantum, and it has important applications in a wide variety of technologies. In the context of quantum technologies, systems with memory can be used in quantum information, communication, and sensing. Here, we demonstrate that a cavity optomechanical system driven by a pulsed laser can operate as a programmable quantum memory element. By engineering the adiabatic and nonadiabatic pulses, particularly the Gaussian and sinusoidal drives, we induce and control diverse memory phenomena such as dynamical hysteresis, quantized phononic transitions, and distinct energy-storing responses. Within a mean-field approach, we derive the analytical and numerical criteria under which the photonic and phononic observables manifest memory effects in strongly driven regimes. These memory effects are quantified through a dimensionless geometric form factor, which provides a versatile metric to characterize the memory efficiency. Our protocol is readily compatible with current optomechanical platforms, highlighting its potential for advanced memory functionalities in quantum technologies.
