Spin and transport effects in quantum microcavities with polarization splitting

TL;DR

This paper theoretically investigates how polarization splitting and anisotropy in quantum microcavities influence exciton-polariton transport, spin dynamics, and interference effects, aligning well with recent experimental observations.

Contribution

It introduces a comprehensive model accounting for both TE-TM and anisotropic splitting effects on polariton spin and transport properties in microcavities.

Findings

Polarization conversion results from spin precession and elastic scattering.

Spin-dependent interference causes weak localization and coherent backscattering.

Theoretical results agree with recent experimental data.

Abstract

Transport properties of exciton-polaritons in anisotropic quantum microcavities are considered theoretically. Microscopic symmetry of the structure is taken into account by allowing for both the longitudinal-transverse (TE-TM) and anisotropic splitting of polariton states. The splitting is equivalent to an effective magnetic field acting on polariton pseudospin, and polarization conversion in microcavities is shown to be caused by an interplay of exciton-polariton spin precession and elastic scattering. In addition, we considered the spin-dependent interference of polaritons leading to weak localization and calculated coherent backscattering intensities in different polarizations. Our findings are in a very good agreement with the recent experimental data.