Spontaneous breaking of a discrete time-translation symmetry

Abstract

Spontaneous symmetry breaking is a ubiquitous concept and is well described in many textbooks of physics. However, direct observation of spontaneous symmetry breaking is lacking. Here we present the observation and analysis of a spontaneously broken discrete time-translation symmetry in our driven system. We experimentally find a 50-50 split between two stable and temporal-distinct solutions, indicative of the breaking of a Z2 (Ising-like) time-translation symmetry. The experiment allows for further exploration of the symmetry breaking in our discrete time crystal and for engineering excitations in space and time in the quantum domain.