Competing role of interactions in synchronization of exciton-polariton condensates

TL;DR

This paper theoretically investigates how interactions influence synchronization in incoherently pumped exciton-polariton condensates, revealing competing effects of polariton interactions on synchronized phases and mapping a phase diagram.

Contribution

It introduces a coupled-mode theory based on a generalized Gross-Pitaevskii equation to analyze the complex interplay of interactions in polariton condensates.

Findings

Polariton-polariton and reservoir-polariton interactions have competing effects on synchronization.

Different synchronized phases emerge as pumping power varies.

Interactions can hinder synchronization, leading to distinct phase regimes.

Abstract

We present a theoretical study of synchronization dynamics in incoherently pumped exciton-polariton condensates in coupled polariton traps. Our analysis is based on a coupled-mode theory for the generalized Gross-Pitaevskii equation, which employs an expansion in non-Hermitian, pump-dependent modes appropriate for the pumped geometry. We find that polariton-polariton and reservoir-polariton interactions play competing roles and lead to qualitatively different synchronized phases of the coupled polariton modes as pumping power is increased. Crucially, these interactions can also act against each other to hinder synchronization. We map out a phase diagram and discuss the general characteristics of these phases using a generalized Adler equation.