Exotic states of matter with polariton chains

TL;DR

This paper explores the diverse classical and exotic quantum phases in linear chains of exciton-polariton condensates, revealing complex magnetic-like behaviors and phase chaos influenced by nonlinear interactions.

Contribution

It introduces a model linking polariton condensate chains to classical XY Hamiltonian regimes and uncovers new exotic phases at higher pumping intensities.

Findings

Identification of ferromagnetic, antiferromagnetic, and spiral phases in polariton chains.

Prediction of spin liquid states arising from quantum or thermal fluctuations.

Discovery of phase chaos and exotic phases due to nonlinear interactions.

Abstract

We consider linear periodic chains of exciton-polariton condensates formed by pumping polaritons non-resonantly into a linear network. To the leading order, such a sequence of condensates establishes relative phases as to minimize a classical one-dimensional XY Hamiltonian with nearest and next to nearest neighbors. We show that the low energy states of polaritonic linear chains demonstrate various classical regimes: ferromagnetic, antiferromagnetic and frustrated spiral phases, where quantum or thermal fluctuations are expected to give rise to a spin liquid state. At the same time nonlinear interactions at higher pumping intensities bring about phase chaos and novel exotic phases.