• T. Gao
  • G. Li
  • E. Estrecho
  • T. C.H. Liew
  • D. Comber-Todd
  • A. Nalitov
  • M. Steger
  • K. West
  • L. Pfeiffer
  • D. W. Snoke
  • A. V. Kavokin
  • A. G. Truscott
  • E. A. Ostrovskaya

We demonstrate the generation of chiral modes-vortex flows with fixed handedness in exciton-polariton quantum fluids. The chiral modes arise in the vicinity of exceptional points (non-Hermitian spectral degeneracies) in an optically induced resonator for exciton polaritons. In particular, a vortex is generated by driving two dipole modes of the non-Hermitian ring resonator into degeneracy. Transition through the exceptional point in the space of the system's parameters is enabled by precise manipulation of real and imaginary parts of the closed-wall potential forming the resonator. As the system is driven to the vicinity of the exceptional point, we observe the formation of a vortex state with a fixed orbital angular momentum (topological charge). This method can be extended to generate higher-order orbital angular momentum states through coalescence of multiple non-Hermitian spectral degeneracies. Our Letter demonstrates the possibility of exploiting nontrivial and counterintuitive properties of waves near exceptional points in macroscopic quantum systems.

Original languageEnglish
Article number065301
Number of pages7
JournalPhysical Review Letters
Volume120
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - 9 Feb 2018

    Scopus subject areas

  • Physics and Astronomy(all)

    Research areas

  • BOSE-EINSTEIN CONDENSATION, SEMICONDUCTOR MICROCAVITY, QUANTIZED VORTICES, DEGENERACIES, PHYSICS, OPTICS, LIGHT, BEAMS

ID: 36004467