From coupled $\mathbb{Z}_3$ Rabi models to the $\mathbb{Z}_3$ Potts model

Researchers have made a significant breakthrough in quantum physics by establishing a mapping between the $\mathbb{Z}_3$ Rabi model and a qubit-boson ring, paving the way for a realistic implementation using superconducting qubits¹. This $\mathbb{Z}_3$-symmetric Rabi model describes a complex system where a three-level system interacts with two bosonic modes. By deriving this mapping, scientists can now explore the potential of the $\mathbb{Z}_3$ Rabi model in a more practical and experimental setting. The mapping also sheds light on previously proposed optomechanical implementations, providing a deeper understanding of the underlying physics. This development is crucial for advancing quantum computing and simulation, as it enables the study of complex quantum systems with higher symmetry. The ability to implement the $\mathbb{Z}_3$ Rabi model using superconducting qubits matters because it brings researchers closer to harnessing the power of quantum mechanics for innovative technologies and applications.