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Topological Quantum Electrodynamics in Synthetic Non-Abelian Gauge Fields

Joseph Huang (黄启南)1,2, Bengy T.T. Wong (黄梓峻)1,2, Zehai Pang (庞泽海)1,2, Xudong Zhang (张旭东)1,2, Zeling Chen (陈泽灵)1,2, and Yi Yang (杨易)1,2,*

  • *Contact author: yiyg@hku.hk
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PRX Quantum 7, 010333 – Published 17 February, 2026

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/8s89-cxp2

Abstract

Quantum electrodynamics (QED), a cornerstone framework that describes light-matter interactions rooted in Abelian symmetries, renders the harnessing of synthetic non-Abelian gauge fields as a fundamental yet uncharted frontier. Here, we develop a general theory of light-matter interaction of quantum emitters embedded in non-Abelian photonic lattices. Based on analytical solutions to the non-Abelian Landau dressed states beyond the continuum limit, we reveal chiral photon emission and vortices with emergent nonreciprocity enabled by selective coupling between emitters and spin-momentum-locked bands. When coexisting with Abelian and non-Abelian magnetic fields, emitters hybridize with Landau dressed orbits to form spin-polarized, squeezed Landau polaritons that carry quantized angular momenta, with Rabi frequencies tunable via Landau levels and pseudospin interactions. Multiemitter dynamics further exhibit collective phenomena governed by real-space staggered phases induced by nonsymmorphic crystalline symmetry. These results bridge non-Abelian physics with quantum optics and establish non-Abelian gauge fields as a versatile tool for synthesizing topological quantum optical states, angular momentum transfer, and controlling photon-mediated correlations in QED systems, relevant for applications in quantum simulations and chiral quantum optical networks.

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Popular Summary

Quantum light-matter interactions, foundational to technologies like lasers and quantum computing, can be strongly influenced by the environment where they happen. Environments filled with synthetic non-Abelian gauge fields—engineered magnetic-like environments where the order of operations matters—could open doors to exotic phenomena not possible in conventional systems. This work reveals ways to control light and matter through systematic studies of how quantum emitters, such as atoms or artificial qubits, interact with light in photonic structures under these non-Abelian fields.

Non-Abelian fields enable photons to exhibit spin-momentum locking, where their spin direction is tied to their motion. This work shows that it leads to chiral emission, where directional photon launching is accompanied by vortex formation with swirling phase patterns. When combined with ordinary Abelian magnetic fields, emitters and photons hybridize into dressed bound states featuring Rabi splitting with quantized spin and orbital angular momentum. These polaritons can be squeezed into anisotropic shapes or tuned via magnetic fields, offering precise control over their quantum properties. Additionally, multiple emitters under non-Abelian gauge fields display collective behaviors influenced by the lattice’s symmetry, such as staggered interference effects that enhance or suppress light emission.

This work bridges non-Abelian physics with quantum optics, providing tools to engineer topological light states and directional photon-mediated interactions. Future experiments could realize these effects in platforms like quantum dots or superconducting circuits, advancing applications in quantum simulation and the development of chiral quantum networks.

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PRX Quantum 7, 010333– Published 17 February, 2026
  • Received 4 August 2025
  • Revised 21 November 2025
  • Accepted 23 December 2025
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