Artificial gravity effect on spin-polarized exciton-polaritons

Area of Science:

• Condensed Matter Physics
• Quantum Optics
• Materials Science

Background:

• Exciton-polaritons are crucial quasiparticles in condensed matter physics, exhibiting quantum phenomena.
• Understanding their dynamics, especially spin polarization, is key for developing novel optoelectronic devices.
• Previous studies often simplified cavity geometries and neglected complex dynamic behaviors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To theoretically investigate the pseudospin dynamics of long-living exciton-polaritons in a wedged 2D cavity.
• To analyze the influence of an external magnetic field on these dynamics.
• To demonstrate the switching of polariton polarization and explore self-interference effects.

Main Methods:

• Development of a semi-classical model for spin-polarization dynamics of exciton-polaritons.
• Theoretical analysis of polariton propagation in a wedged cavity, simulating artificial gravity.
• Investigation of the effect of magnetic field strength and initial wave vector on polarization dynamics.

Main Results:

• The cavity width variation effectively acts as an artificial gravitational force on exciton-polaritons.
• Polariton polarization vectors were shown to converge to an attractor on the Poincaré sphere under specific magnetic field conditions.
• Switching of polariton polarization in the ballistic regime was successfully demonstrated.
• Self-interference of the emitted polariton field from a point source was observed to create interference patterns.

Conclusions:

• The study provides a theoretical framework for controlling exciton-polariton pseudospin dynamics.
• The demonstrated polarization switching offers a pathway for developing novel optical switching devices.
• The findings highlight the potential of wedged cavities and magnetic fields in manipulating quantum quasiparticles.