Year: 2024
Type: article
Abstract: The quantum theory of polariton condensation in a trapped state reveals a second-order phase transition evidenced by spontaneous polarization parity breaking in subspaces of fixed polariton occupation numbers. The emission spectra of a polariton condensate demonstrate the coexistence of a symmetry-conserving condensate state with linear polarization and two symmetry-broken elliptically polarized states in the vicinity of the threshold. As a result, an oscillating linearly polarized second-order coherence ${g}_{xx}^{(2)}(t)$, with ${g}_{xx}^{(2)}(t)<1$ over some time intervals, is obtained. Spontaneous symmetry breaking is reflected in the second-order cross correlator of circular polarizations. A related buildup of elliptically polarized weak lasing also results in nonmonotonous dependence of the circular second-order coherence on excitation power and interaction strength.
Authors: Huawen Xu, Timothy C. H. Liew, Yuri G. Rubo
Language: English
Subfield: Atomic and Molecular Physics, and Optics
Field: Physics and Astronomy
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: green
Awards: G4847586752, G764174304
OpenAlex ID: W4401543032