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Cooperative effects in thin dielectric layers: Long-range Dicke superradiance

Ankit Kundu1, Rahul Trivedi2,*, Alisa Javadi3,4,†, and Hadiseh Alaeian1,5,‡

  • *Contact author: rahul.trivedi@mpq.mpg.de
  • †Contact author: alisa.javadi@ou.edu
  • ‡Contact author: halaeian@purdue.edu
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Phys. Rev. Research 7, 043031 – Published 9 October, 2025

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/38zm-mckb

Abstract

The realization and control of collective quantum effects so far have predominantly focused on cold atomic ensembles. Quantum photonic platforms, with their engineered Green's functions and integration capability of advanced solid-state quantum emitters, provide opportunities to explore regimes of light-matter interaction beyond the scope of atomic systems. In this work, we demonstrate that embedding quantum emitters within a thin dielectric layer fundamentally alters their collective radiative behavior. The optical modes in the dielectric layer mediate long-range dipole-dipole interactions between emitters, enabling both total and directional superradiance between emitters separated by several wavelengths. Crucially, this mechanism supports Dicke superradiance even in parameter regimes where standard settings fail to support an interaction, unveiling a dimensionality-driven enhancement of cooperative effects. By bridging many-body quantum optics and photonic engineering, our work reveals a distinct interplay between surrounding dimensionality and collective quantum dynamics. Experimental realization of these predictions, readily achievable in solid-state quantum optics platforms, paves the way for scalable, directional quantum light sources and frontiers in many-body quantum optics.

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Phys. Rev. Research 7, 043031– Published 9 October, 2025
  • Received 12 February 2025
  • Accepted 12 September 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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