Synchronized and Desynchronized Phases of Exciton-Polariton Condensates in the Presence of Disorder

TL;DR

This paper investigates how exciton-polariton condensates in microcavities transition between synchronized and desynchronized phases under varying disorder conditions, revealing the roles of interactions and disorder strength.

Contribution

It demonstrates the mechanisms behind phase synchronization and desynchronization in polariton condensates influenced by disorder, supported by spatial, spectral, and interferometric studies.

Findings

Weak disorder allows spontaneous synchronization above critical density.

Strong disorder leads to multiple independent condensates.

Transition between phases depends on disorder strength and interactions.

Abstract

Condensation of exciton-polaritons in semiconductor microcavities takes place despite in plane disorder. Below the critical density the inhomogeneity of the potential seen by the polaritons strongly limits the spatial extension of the ground state. Above the critical density, in presence of weak disorder, this limitation is spontaneously overcome by the non linear interaction, resulting in an extended synchronized phase. This mechanism is clearly evidenced by spatial and spectral studies, coupled to interferometric measurements. In case of strong disorder, several non phase-locked (independent) condensates can be evidenced. The transition from synchronized phase to desynchronized phase is addressed considering multiple realizations of the disorder.