Exciton-polariton condensation in a natural two dimensional trap

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates exciton-polariton Bose-Einstein condensation within a natural two-dimensional trap, revealing quantized states, real and reciprocal space snapshots, and interaction effects leading to Thomas-Fermi profiles.

Contribution

It introduces the observation of polariton condensation in a natural trap using defect sites, highlighting quantized states and interaction-driven wave function changes.

Findings

Condensation occurs in multiple quantized levels.

Real and reciprocal space images show the condensate.

High occupation numbers lead to Thomas-Fermi wave functions.

Abstract

Bose Einstein condensation of exciton-polaritons has recently been reported in homogeneous structures only affected by random in-plane fluctuations. We have taken advantage of the ubiquitous defects in semiconductor microcavities to reveal the spontaneous dynamical condensation of polaritons in the quantised levels of a trap. We observe condensation in several quantized states, taking their snapshots in real and reciprocal space. We show also the effect of particle interactions for high occupations numbers, revealed by a change in the confined wave function toward the Thomas Fermi profile.