Superlinear Increase of Photocurrent due to Stimulated Scattering into a Polariton Condensate

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates that a polariton condensate in an n-i-n structure causes a superlinear increase in photocurrent due to stimulated exciton-exciton scattering, contrasting with standard semiconductor laser behavior.

Contribution

It reveals a novel superlinear photocurrent response linked to polariton condensates and models the stimulated scattering process responsible for this effect.

Findings

Superlinear photocurrent observed with polariton condensate

Stimulated exciton-exciton scattering enhances current

Contrasts with behavior in standard semiconductor lasers

Abstract

We show that when a monopolar current is passed through an n-i-n structure, superlinear photocurrent response occurs when there is a polariton condensate. This is in sharp contrast to the previously observed behavior for a standard semiconductor laser. Theoretical modeling shows that this is due to a stimulated exciton-exciton scattering process in which one exciton relaxes into the condensate, while another one dissociates into an electron-hole pair.