Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 29, 2026

Excitonic Hamiltonians for Calculating Optical Absorption Spectra and Optoelectronic Properties of Molecular Aggregates and Solids
Published on: May 27, 2020
Formation of an exciton polariton condensate: thermodynamic versus kinetic regimes
J Kasprzak1, D D Solnyshkov, R André
1CEA-CNRS Group "Nanophysique et Semiconducteurs," Institut Néel, CNRS et Université Joseph Fourier, BP 166, F-38042 Grenoble Cedex 9, France.
Abstract:
We measure the polariton distribution function and the condensation threshold versus the photon-exciton detuning and the lattice temperature in a CdTe microcavity under nonresonant pumping. The results are reproduced by simulations using semiclassical Boltzmann equations. At negative detuning we find a kinetic condensation regime: the distribution is not thermal and the threshold is governed by the relaxation kinetics. At positive detuning, the distribution becomes thermal and the threshold is governed by the thermodynamic parameters of the system. Both regimes are a manifestation of polariton lasing, whereas only the latter is related to Bose-Einstein condensation defined as an equilibrium phase transition.
Related Concept Videos
Regioselective Formation of Enolates
Thermodynamic Potentials
Path Between Thermodynamics States
Phase Transitions: Vaporization and Condensation
Kinetic Molecular Theory: Molecular Velocities, Temperature, and Kinetic Energy
Kinetic Theory of an Ideal Gas
The number of molecules in one mole is called Avogadro's number...

