We introduce a general framework of phase reduction theory for quantum nonlinear oscillators. By employing the quantum trajectory theory, we define the limit-cycle trajectory and the phase according to a stochastic Schrödinger equation. Because a perturbation is represented by unitary transformation in quantum dynamics, we calculate phase response curves with respect to generators of a Lie algebra. Our method shows that the continuous measurement yields phase clusters and alters the phase response curves. The observable clusters capture the phase dynamics of individual quantum oscillators, unlike indirect indicators obtained from density operators. Furthermore, our method can be applied to finite-level systems that lack classical counterparts.

• Received 1 December 2022
• Revised 10 August 2023
• Accepted 22 January 2024

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.132.093602