Linear and non-linear behavior of cavity polaritons

• Published in: Physica. E, Low-dimensional systems & nanostructures Vol. 7; no. 3-4; pp. 625 - 630
• Main Authors: Houdré, R, Weisbuch, C, Stanley, R.P, Oesterle, U, Ilegems, M
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 01-05-2000
• Subjects: Non-linear optics; Optical pattern formation; Phonon; Polaritons; Semiconductor microcavity; 71.35.Cc; Semiconductor microcavity; 42.65−k; Optical pattern formation; 71.36.+c; Phonon; 42.50.−p; Polaritons; 42.55.Sa; Non-linear optics; 74.25.Kc
• ISSN: 1386-9477; 1873-1759
• DOI: 10.1016/S1386-9477(99)00397-5

We report on the linear and non-linear emission of cavity-polaritons under resonant excitation. At low excitation density, in addition to polariton photoluminescence, strong Rayleigh scattering is observed. At higher excitation densities, a sudden transition to a highly emissive state is observed, accompanied by spatial patterning. We attribute such phenomena to a combination of nonlinear cavity-polariton relaxation mechanism and nonlinear response of the cavity, leading to transverse pattern formation. A careful analysis of near- and far-field emission patterns with spatial filtering as well as reflectivity shows that an inhomogeneous situation develops, the center of the excited region undergoing a strong to weak coupling transition while the periphery is still in strong coupling. Despite the complex non-linear behavior we observe no signatures of Bose–Einstein condensation or Boser action.