Analogue tachyons in SNAIL transmission lines

Abstract

Tachyons are hypothetical particles with imaginary mass that travel faster than light. However, methods to experimentally verify whether tachyons exist are lacking. Here, we propose a novel scheme to create analogue tachyons using a transmission line composed of superconducting nonlinear asymmetric inductive elements and to detect them by controlling the wavenumber in order to extend their lifetime. In particular, we numerically demonstrate the exotic property of tachyons where their velocity increases with decreasing energy. Our proposal offers a promising approach to understanding tachyon condensation, which is crucial for elucidating the origins of the Universe, in a realizable laboratory system.