Polariton Physics

This book offers an overview of polariton Bose–Einstein condensation and the emerging field of polaritonics, providing insights into the necessary theoretical basics, technological aspects and experimental studies in this fascinating field of science. Following a summary of theoretical considerations, it guides readers through the rich physics of polariton systems, shedding light on the concept of the polariton laser, polariton microcavities, and the technical realization of optoelectronic devices with polaritonic emissions, before discussing the role of external fields used for the manipulation and control of exciton–polaritons. A glossary provides simplified summaries of the most frequently discussed topics, allowing readers to quickly familiarize themselves with the content. The book pursues an uncomplicated and intuitive approach to the topics covered, while also providing a brief outlook on current and future work. Its straightforward content will make it accessible to a broad readership, ranging from research fellows, lecturers and students to interested science and engineering professionals in the interdisciplinary domains of nanotechnology, photonics, materials sciences and quantum physics.

In 2006 researchers created the first polariton Bose-Einstein condensate at 19K in the solid state. Being inherently open quantum systems, polariton condensates open a window into the unpredictable world of physics beyond the “fifth state of matter”: the limited lifetime of polaritons renders polariton condensates out-of-equilibrium and provides a fertile test-bed for non-equilibrium physics. This book presents an experimental investigation into exciting features arising from this non-equilibrium behavior. Through careful experimentation, the author demonstrates the ability of polaritons to synchronize and create a single energy delocalized condensate. Under certain disorder and excitation conditions the complete opposite case of coexisting spatially overlapping condensates may be observed. The author provides the first demonstration of quantized vortices in polariton condensates and the first observation of fractional vortices with full phase and amplitude characterization. Finally, this book investigates the dynamics of polariton populations trapped in neighboring potential traps – and shows that coherent population oscillations are observed – in direct analogy to the AC Josephson effect. This book puts significant weight on both the details of the experimental techniques and the theoretical tools used pick apart the experimental findings making it an invaluable aide for condensed matter researchers interested in exciton-polaritons condensates.

Electron and photon confinement in semiconductor nanostructures is one of the most active areas in solid state research. Written by leading experts in solid state physics, this book provides both a comprehensive review as well as a excellent introduction to fundamental and applied aspects of light-matter coupling in microcavities. Topics covered include parametric amplification and polariton liquids, quantum fluid and non-linear dynamical effects and parametric instabilities, polariton squeezing, Bose-Einstein condensation of microcavity polaritons, spin dynamics of exciton-polaritons, polariton correlation produced by parametric scattering, progress in III-nitride distributed Bragg reflectors using AlInN/GaN materials, high efficiency planar MCLEDs, exciton-polaritons and nanoscale cavities in photonic crystals, and MBE growth of high finesse microcavities.

The study of quantum fluids, stimulated by the discovery of superfluidity in liquid helium, has experienced renewed interest after the observation of Bose-Einstein condensation (BEC) in ultra-cold atomic gases and the observation a new type of quantum fluid with specific characteristics derived from its intrinsic out-of-equilibrium nature. The main objective of this book is to take a snapshot of the state-of-the-art of this fast moving field with a special emphasis on the hot topics and new trends. Bringing together the most active specialists of the two areas (atomic and polaritonic quantum fluids), we expect that this book will facilitate the exchange and the collaboration between these two communities working on subjects with very strong analogies.

Volume 32 of the series addresses one of the most rapidly developing research fields in physics: microcavities. Microcavities form a base for fabrication of opto-electronic devices of XXI century, in particular polariton lasers based on a new physical principle with respect to conventional lasers proposed by Einstein in 1917. This book overviews a theory of all major phenomena linked microcavities and exciton-polaritons and is oriented to the reader having no background in solid state theory as well as to the advanced readers interested in theory of exciton-polaritons in microcavities. All major experimental discoveries in the field are addressed as well. · The book is oriented to a general reader and is easy to read for a non-specialist. · Contains an overview of the most essential effects in physics of microcavities experimentally observed and theoretically predicted during the recent decade such as:. · Bose-Einstein condensation at room temperature. · Lasers without inversion of population. · Microcavity boom: optics of the XXI century! · Frequently asked questions on microcavities and responses without formulas. · Half-light-half-matter quasi-particles: base for the future optoelectronic devices

Modern Problems in Condensed Matter Sciences, Volume I: Surface Polaritons: Electromagnetic Waves at Surfaces and Interfaces describes the basic properties of surface polaritons and the methods of generating these waves in the laboratory at frequencies of interest to condensed matter physicists. The selection first elaborates on surface phonon polaritons in dielectrics and semiconductors and surface exciton polaritons from the experimental viewpoint. Discussions focus on interface polaritons; surface vibrations in anisotropic crystals; experimental methods for the excitation and study of surface polaritons; and surface vibrations in isotropic crystals. The publication then ponders on surface electromagnetic wave propagation on metal surfaces; thermally stimulated emission of surface polaritons; and effects of the transition layer and spatial dispersion in the spectra of surface polaritons. The text takes a look at surface polaritons at metal surfaces and interfaces and resonance of transition layer excitations with surface polaritons. Topics include resonance of the film phonon with the substrate surface phonon polaritons; investigations of surface modifications in ultra-high vacuum; and use of surface plasma waves for the investigation of solid-liquid and solid-solid interfaces. The selection is a dependable reference for physicists and engineers wanting to conduct research on surface polaritons.

In the past decade, there has been a burst of new and fascinating physics associated to the unique properties of two-dimensional exciton polaritons, their recent demonstration of condensation under non-equilibrium conditions and all the related quantum phenomena, which have stimulated extensive research work. This monograph summarizes the current state of the art of research on exciton polaritons in microcavities: their interactions, fast dynamics, spin-dependent phenomena, temporal and spatial coherence, condensation under non-equilibrium conditions, related collective quantum phenomena and most advanced applications. The monograph is written by the most active authors who have strongly contributed to the advances in this area. It is of great interests to both physicists approaching this subject for the first time, as well as a wide audience of experts in other disciplines who want to be updated on this fast moving field.

In recent years there have been exciting developments in techniques for producing multilayered structures of different materials, often with thicknesses as small as only a few atomic layers. These artificial structures, known as superlattices, can either be grown with the layers stacked in an alternating fashion (the periodic case) or according to some other well-defined mathematical rule (the quasiperiodic case). This book describes research on the excitations (or wave-like behavior) of these materials, with emphasis on how the material properties are coupled to photons (the quanta of the light or the electromagnetic radiation) to produce “mixed waves called polaritons. · Clear and comprehensive account of polaritons in multilayered structures · Covers both periodic and quasiperiodic superlattices · Careful attention to theoretical developments and tools · Invaluable guide for researchers in this field · Shows developments from the basics to advanced topics