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  • Open Access

Controlling excitation localization in waveguide QED systems

C.-Y. Lee1,*, K.-T. Lin2,†, G.-D. Lin1,2,3, and H. H. Jen4,1

  • *Contact author: lcy511085@gmail.com
  • †Contact author: alex968.tw@gmail.com
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Phys. Rev. Research 7, 043123 – Published 3 November, 2025

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/2256-6x36

Abstract

We theoretically investigate excitation dynamics in one-dimensional arrays of quantum emitters coupled to a waveguide, focusing on localization and long-time population trapping. By combining time-domain simulations with spectral analysis of an effective non-Hermitian Hamiltonian, we identify two distinct mechanisms that give rise to localization: geometry-induced subradiance and disorder-induced Anderson-like confinement. Spatially modulated emitter arrangements—such as single- and double-Gaussian transverse profiles—enable long-lived subradiant modes even in the absence of disorder, with decay rates that can be finely controlled via geometric parameters. In contrast, localization in uniform arrays emerges only when disorder breaks spatial symmetry and suppresses collective emission through interference. We track the crossover between geometric and disorder-induced regimes, finding that double-Gaussian profiles exhibit clear spatial signatures of this transition, while single-Gaussian configurations display more gradual changes. These results establish geometry and disorder as complementary tools for engineering long-lived quantum states in waveguide QED systems, with direct relevance for scalable implementations in photonic platforms.

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Phys. Rev. Research 7, 043123– Published 3 November, 2025
  • Received 28 May 2025
  • Accepted 3 October 2025
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Published by the American Physical Society under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International license. Further distribution of this work must maintain attribution to the author(s) and the published article's title, journal citation, and DOI.

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