Polariton-based optical switch

TL;DR

This paper proposes a novel electrically-controlled polariton-based optical switch using a patterned microcavity with graphene, demonstrating control of polariton flow via electric current and external electric fields, with estimated fast response times.

Contribution

It introduces a new design for a polariton switch leveraging exciton-polariton condensates in microcavities with graphene, including control mechanisms and dynamic response analysis.

Findings

Electric current controls polariton flow direction.

External electric field modulates signal propagation.

Switch response speed is estimated based on transient dynamics.

Abstract

Based on the studies of propagation of an exciton-polariton condensate in a patterned optical microcavity with an embedded graphene layer, we propose a design of a Y-shaped electrically-controlled optical switch. The polaritons are driven by a time-independent force due to the microcavity wedge shape and by a time-dependent drag force owing to the interaction of excitons in graphene and the electric current running in a neighboring quantum well. It is demonstrated that one can control the polariton flow direction by changing the direction of the electric current. The simulations also show that an external electric field normal to the microcavity plane can be utilized as an additional parameter that controls the propagation of the signals in the switch. By considering the transient dynamics of the polariton condensate, we estimate the response speed of the switch. Finally, we propose a design of the polariton switch in a flat microcavity based on the geometrically identical Y-shaped quantum well and graphene pattern where the polariton flow is only induced by the drag force.