Vortex Multistability and Bessel Vortices in Polariton Condensates

Area of Science:

• Condensed Matter Physics
• Nonlinear Optics
• Semiconductor Physics

Background:

• Vortices are topological defects in nonlinear systems with applications in data storage and processing.
• Polariton condensates in semiconductor microcavities offer a platform for optical control of vortices.
• Previous studies demonstrated vortex formation and bistability with specific ring-shaped pump excitations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the potential for richer vortex multistability in semiconductor microcavities.
• To explore optical manipulation of vortices with higher topological charges.
• To understand the underlying nonlinear mechanisms driving vortex behavior.

Main Methods:

• Theoretical modeling of polariton condensates in semiconductor microcavities.
• Simulation of nonresonant excitation using ring-shaped laser pumps with varying parameters.
• Analysis of vortex formation, stability, and topological charge under different excitation conditions.

Main Results:

• Observation of unprecedented vortex multistability with optically addressable topological charges m=±1, ±2, and ±3.
• Identification of nonlinear feedback between reservoir excitations and condensate as the cause of multistability.
• Discovery of a Bessel vortex with self-stabilization properties for larger pump radii.

Conclusions:

• Semiconductor microcavities exhibit complex vortex multistability beyond simple bistability.
• Optical control of multiple vortex states is achievable in these systems.
• The findings pave the way for advanced optical information processing and communication technologies.