Self-organization phenomena at exciton condensation in quantum wells in an inhomogeneous external potential

TL;DR

This paper develops a theory describing how indirect excitons in quantum wells self-organize into periodic patterns and phase-separated structures under inhomogeneous external potentials, with potential applications in controlled light emission.

Contribution

The paper introduces a theoretical framework for exciton phase separation and pattern formation in quantum wells influenced by inhomogeneous external fields, including the effects of external potential biasing.

Findings

Periodic chains of light-emitting islands can form along a slot in a metallic electrode.

External bias can control the movement of the exciton pattern along the slot.

Phase distribution structures depend on the external potential configuration.

Abstract

A theory of the separation of a system of indirect excitons into a condensed and a gaseous phases with the formation of regular patterns of alternating phases in inhomogeneous external fields is developed. The theory is applied to the study of the non-uniform distribution of the exciton density in a double quantum well under a slot cut in a metallic electrode. It is shown that in a certain range of exciton generation rates a chain of light emitting islands periodically localized along the slot is developed. By creating a biased external potential along the slot the periodical pattern could be forced to move along the slot. Also the structures of condensed phases distribution arising at periodical external potential is considered.