Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 23, 2026
14:18
Automation of Mode Locking in a Nonlinear Polarization Rotation Fiber Laser through Output Polarization Measurements
Published on: February 28, 2016
11.0K
Harnessing the polariton drag effect to design an electrically controlled optical switch
Oleg L Berman1, Roman Ya Kezerashvili, German V Kolmakov
1Physics Department, New York City College of Technology, City University of New York , Brooklyn, New York 11201, United States.
ACS Nano
|September 30, 2014
Summary
We designed a Y-shaped optical switch using exciton-polariton condensate. Applying an electric drag force directs over 90% of the polariton flow, enabling fast, hysteresis-free switching.
Area of Science:
- Quantum Optics
- Condensed Matter Physics
- Nanophotonics
Background:
- Exciton-polariton condensates offer unique quantum phenomena for optical devices.
- Optical microcavities with quantum wells are platforms for controlling light-matter interactions.
- Electrically controlled optical switches are crucial for next-generation photonic circuits.
Purpose of the Study:
- To design and simulate a Y-shaped optical switch controlled by electric fields.
- To investigate the manipulation of exciton-polariton condensate flow.
- To explore the potential of graphene integration for enhanced switch performance.
Main Methods:
- Theoretical modeling of exciton-polariton condensate propagation in patterned optical microcavities.
- Simulation of polariton flow dynamics under external forces (wedge shape and electric drag).
- Analysis of transient dynamics to estimate switch response speed.
Main Results:
- Achieved >90% control of polariton flow to a desired switch branch with no hysteresis.
- Estimated switch response speeds of 9.1 GHz in a wedge microcavity and up to 14 GHz with a gapped graphene layer.
- Demonstrated a multiway switch design functioning as an electrically controlled optical transistor.
Conclusions:
- The proposed Y-shaped optical switch design offers efficient, electrically controlled signal routing.
- Integration of graphene can significantly enhance the response speed of polariton-based switches.
- The energy gap in graphene provides an additional control parameter for optical signal propagation.
Related Concept Videos
01:31Dielectric Polarization in a Capacitor
5.4K
The presence of a dielectric medium in a capacitor not only changes the voltage and capacitance but also affects the electric field. In general, dielectrics can be of two types: polar and nonpolar. In a polar dielectric, the positive and negative charges in the molecules are separated by a distance and hence have a permanent dipole moment. In contrast, no such charge separation exists in a nonpolar dielectric, however the nonpolar molecules get polarized in the presence of an external electric...
5.4K
01:29Potential Due to a Polarized Object
942
A neutral atom consists of a positively charged nucleus surrounded by a negatively charged electron cloud. When placed in an external electric field, the external electric force pulls the electrons and nucleus apart, opposite to the intrinsic attraction between the nucleus and the electrons. The opposing forces balance each other with a slight shift between the center of masses of the nucleus and the electron cloud, resulting in a polarized atom. On the other hand, a few molecules, like water,...
942
01:28Induced Electric Dipoles
4.0K
A permanent electric dipole orients itself along an external electric field. This rotation can be quantified by defining the potential energy because the external torque does work in rotating it. Then, the potential energy is minimum at the parallel configuration and maximum at the antiparallel configuration. While the former is a stable equilibrium, the latter is an unstable equilibrium.
Since the absolute value of potential energy holds no physical meaning, its zero value can be chosen as per...
Since the absolute value of potential energy holds no physical meaning, its zero value can be chosen as per...
4.0K
01:01Group Polarization
31.3K
Group polarization is the strengthening of an original group attitude following the discussion of views within a group (Teger & Pruitt, 1967). That is, if a group initially favors a viewpoint, after discussion the group consensus is likely a stronger endorsement of the viewpoint. Conversely, if the group was initially opposed to a viewpoint, group discussion would likely lead to stronger opposition.
31.3K
01:22MOSFET: Enhancement Mode
1.1K
Enhancement-mode MOSFETs are pivotal components in electronics, distinguished by their capacity to act as highly efficient switches. They are part of the larger family of metal-oxide Semiconductor Field-Effect Transistors (MOSFETs). They are available in two types: p-channel and n-channel, each tailored to specific polarity operations.
In their basic form, enhancement-mode MOSFETs are typically non-conductive when the gate-source voltage (Vgs) is zero. This default 'off' state means no...
In their basic form, enhancement-mode MOSFETs are typically non-conductive when the gate-source voltage (Vgs) is zero. This default 'off' state means no...
1.1K
01:16MOSFET
1.8K
The Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor Field-Effect Transistor (MOSFET) plays a pivotal role in modern electronics thanks to its versatility and efficiency in controlling electrical currents. This device, also known as IGFET, MISFET, and MOSFET, has three main terminals: the Source, Drain, and Gate. MOSFETs are classified into n-channel or p-channel types based on the doping characteristics of their substrate and the source or drain regions.
In an n-MOSFET, the structure includes n-type source and drain...
In an n-MOSFET, the structure includes n-type source and drain...
1.8K