Observation of \sigma-\pi coupling and mode selection in optically trapped artificial polariton molecules

TL;DR

This study investigates the coupling mechanisms and mode selection in optically trapped polariton condensates, revealing complex interference patterns and potential for simulating molecular bonding in artificial systems.

Contribution

It demonstrates the optical reconfigurability of trapping potentials and explores mode coupling in polariton condensates, advancing understanding of nonequilibrium quantum states.

Findings

Observation of - coupling in polariton condensates

Rich pattern formation based on excitation parameters

Potential to simulate molecular bonding mechanisms

Abstract

Microcavity exciton-polariton condensates under additional transverse confinement constitute a flexible optical platform to study the coupling mechanism between confined nonequilibrium and nonlinear states of matter. Driven far from equilibrium, polariton condensates can display spontaneous synchronization and instabilities depending on excitation and material parameters, showcasing emergent and intricate interference patterns based on mode competition over mutual gain landscapes. Here, we explore this coupling mechanism between polariton condensates populating the first excited ${\it p}$-state manifold of coupled optically trapped condensates and show a rich structure of patterns based on excitation parameters. The optical reconfigurability of the laser excitation patterns enables the creation of an annular-shaped beam to confine polaritons in a tailored trapping potential, whilst the dissipative nature of the optical traps enables effective interaction with neighboring condensates. Our results underpin the potential role of polariton condensates in exploring and simulating $\sigma$ and $\pi$ molecular bonding mechanisms between artificial two-dimensional diatomic orbitals and beyond.