Sagnac interferometry with coherent vortex superposition states in exciton-polariton condensates

Abstract

We investigate prospects of using counter-rotating vortex superposition states in non-equilibrium exciton-polariton Bose-Einstein condensates for the purposes of Sagnac interferometry. We first investigate the stability of vortex-antivortex superposition states, and show that they survive at steady-state in a variety of configurations. Counter-rotating vortex superpositions are of potential interest to gyroscope and seismometer applications for detecting rotations. Methods of improving the sensitivity are investigated by targeting high momentum states via metastable condensation, and the application of periodic lattices. The sensitivity of the polariton gyroscope is compared to its optical and atomic counterparts. Due to the large interferometer areas in optical systems and small de Broglie wavelengths for atomic BECs, the sensitivity per detected photon is found to be considerably less for the polariton gyroscope than with competing methods. However, polariton gyroscopes have an advantage over atomic BECs in a high signal-to-noise ratio, and have other practical advantages such as room-temperature operation and robust design. We estimate that the final sensitivities including signal-to-noise aspects are competitive with existing methods.

Spin-Orbit-Coupled Interferometry with Ring-Trapped Bose-Einstein Condensates

“…The response curve is smooth and in good quantitative agreement with our prediction [Eq. (5)]. We report that response curves obtained by varying B zR , for field sensing on the sub-µG scale, are in good quantitative agreement with those obtained by varying Ω z .…”

“…If we apply the i (r × Ω) · ∇ operator to each spin component of the counterflow state [Eq. (5)], this yields eigenvalues ± Ω z in the | ± 1 components respectively, and 0 in the |0 component. These eigenvalues can be incorporated into the diagonal elements of Eq.…”

“…After interrogation, restoring the quadrupolar B-field projects our phase-shifted wave-function onto the eigenstates of B · F. As phases are accumulated the populations in the | ± B , |Z basis differ upon restoration of the quadrupolar field [Eq. (5)]. This induces some radial oscillations as the | ± B eigenstates are respectively strong and weak-field-seeking.…”

Persistent circular currents of exciton-polaritons in cylindrical pillar microcavities

“…In spite of the yet-unknown nature of the disorder imperfections leading to the vorticity, cylindrical micropillars proved to be convenient objects for realization of circular polariton currents. The observation of persistent circular currents of exciton-polaritons paves the way to multiple applications of polariton condensates in quantum interference devices [32][33][34][35].…”

Structured light entities, chaos and nonlocal maps

“…For low Fresnel number 5 < N f < 40 solid state laser cavity the off-axis alignment of optical pump may lead to emission of stable topologically charged vortices ( fig.7) [46][47][48]. Such output patterns are highly desirable for metrological [49,50] and secure free space applications [51]. The temporal spectrum of such laser oscillator is broadened by a set of factors including relaxation oscillations [7].…”