Optically controlled polariton condensate molecules

TL;DR

This paper proposes a new platform using optically trapped exciton-polariton condensates to simulate complex molecular bonding configurations, enabling the study of excited states and bonding types in a controllable, condensed matter system.

Contribution

It introduces a classical mean field model for dissipative coupling in polariton condensates, demonstrating how to emulate molecular orbitals and bonding configurations.

Findings

Identification of bound and antibound $$ and $$ bonding configurations

Demonstration of emulating excited atomic orbitals

Proposal of a platform for analogue simulation of molecular bonding

Abstract

A condensed matter platform for analogue simulation of complex two-dimensional molecular bonding configurations, based on optically trapped exciton-polariton condensates is proposed. The stable occupation of polariton condensates in the excited states of their optically configurable potential traps permits emulation of excited atomic orbitals. A classical mean field model describing the dissipative coupling mechanism between p-orbital condensates is derived, identifying lowest threshold condensation solutions as a function of trap parameters corresponding to bound and antibound $\pi$ and $\sigma$ bonding configurations, similar to those in quantum chemistry.