Year: 2026
Type: preprint
Abstract: We present the deterministic generation and all-optical switching of ternary topologically distinct vortex states in a triad of trapped exciton-polariton condensates with direct state readout from momentum-space emission distribution. Tuning the non-resonant pump power controls the sign of the dissipative coupling, selecting between a ferromagnetic in-phase state and two frustrated states with global phase winding. The zero-winding ferromagnetic state has unstructured far-field emission at low momenta and forms vortex-antivortex arrays at the Dirac points, reflecting the C_3v global symmetry. The two frustrated states of +-2pi winding can be activated on-demand by a control beam and produce different triangular emission patterns selectively localized at the K or K' points. Although all three states share identical real-space emission distributions, their momentum-space photoluminescence profiles distinguish them unambiguously, revealing the chirality without the need for interferometry. This enables on-demand orbital angular momentum control using a pump independent of resonant phase or OAM imprinting, establishing condensate triads as a compact platform for reconfigurable chiral light generation operating on a ternary logic basis.
Source: arXiv (Cornell University)
Language: English
Subfield: Atomic and Molecular Physics, and Optics
Field: Physics and Astronomy
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: green
Awards: G1753320856, G3192009137, G7372174524
OpenAlex ID: W7220958749