Realization of an all optical exciton-polariton router

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates an all-optical exciton-polariton router that directs polaritons into different pathways by tuning quantum states with an optical control beam, enabling dynamic control of polariton flow.

Contribution

The paper reports the first experimental realization of a polariton router based on a zero-dimensional island connected to modulated wires, utilizing optical tuning of quantum states.

Findings

Successful routing of polaritons demonstrated with optical control.

Device operates under continuous wave and pulsed conditions.

Tuning of island states enables selective transmission into different wires.

Abstract

We report on the experimental realization of an all optical router for exciton-polaritons. This device is based on the design proposed by H. Flayac and I.G. Savenko [APL 103, 201105 (2013)], in which a zero-dimensional island is connected through tunnel barriers to two periodically modulated wires of different periods. Selective transmission of polaritons injected in the island, into either of the two wires, is achieved by tuning the energy of the island state across the band structure of the modulated wires. We show such polariton routing using an optical control beam which blueshifts the island quantum states thanks to polariton-exciton interactions. Operation of the device is demonstrated both under cw and pulsed operation.