Reservoir optics with exciton-polariton condensates

TL;DR

This paper explores a novel all-optical microscale lensing technique using exciton-polariton condensates, enabling precise control and focusing of quantum fluids of light through spatial light modulation.

Contribution

It introduces a new method for guiding and focusing polariton condensates using tailored nonresonant excitation profiles, advancing optical control at the microscale.

Findings

Demonstrated formation of localized condensates away from pump regions

Showed potential for guiding quantum fluids of light

Proposed control strategies for condensate fluid manipulation

Abstract

We investigate an all-optical microscale planar lensing technique based on coherent fluids of semiconductor cavity exciton-polariton condensates. Our theoretical analysis underpins the potential in using state-of-the-art spatial light modulation of nonresonant excitation beams to guide and focus polariton condensates away from their pumping region. The nonresonant excitation profile generates an excitonic reservoir that blueshifts the polariton mode and provides gain, which can be spatially tailored into lens shapes at the microscale to refract condensate waves. We propose several different avenues in controlling the condensate fluid, and demonstrate formation of highly enhanced and localised condensates away from the pumped reservoirs. This opens new perspectives in guiding quantum fluids of light and generating polariton condensates that are shielded from detrimental reservoir dephasing effects.