# Simulations show quantum light thermalizing alongside classical light in multimode nonlinear optics

- Published: 2026-11-05 18:31 UTC
- Section: Science › Physics
- Tags: thermalization of quantum light, multimode nonlinear optics, single-photon states, two-photon states, Rayleigh-Jeans distribution, Boltzmann distribution, quantum many-body dynamics, quantum phase transitions, Science Advances
- URL: https://realtech.media/news/rt-d1975ebc8bbd0fdd0a789931_simulations_show_quantum/

**Numerical experiments show single- and two-photon states thermalizing in multimode nonlinear optical systems, with Rayleigh-Jeans and Boltzmann distributions emerging.**

![Simulations show quantum light thermalizing alongside classical light in multimode nonlinear optics](https://sgzwpqqelzmajkcubgkl.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/public/rt-media/2026/11/1e9178d22fb1e29a.jpg)
*Hius1, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0*

A study in Science Advances reports numerical experiments in which nonlinear multimode optical systems induce effective quantum interactions between photons [1]. The simulations covered single-photon and two-photon states propagating alongside classical light in such systems [1].

According to the authors, these quantum states thermalize. The thermalization shows up as the emergence of Rayleigh-Jeans and Boltzmann statistical distributions [1].

The authors state that the approach helps in studying how classical nonlinearities can be used to investigate quantum many-body dynamics. They also say it allows exploring a broader range of complex quantum phenomena, including aspects of quantum phase transitions, in accessible classical optical settings [1]. The results are numerical; no laboratory demonstration is described.

## Sources

1. [Science Advances](https://doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.aeg6518)

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Source: RealTech, realtech.media — https://realtech.media/news/rt-d1975ebc8bbd0fdd0a789931_simulations_show_quantum/