Non-adiabatic polariton condensation in annular optical traps

Abstract

We explore formation and dynamics of nonequilibrium bosonic exciton-polariton condensates in annular optically induced traps. For the vicinity of condensation pumping threshold, we develop the two-mode model, accounting for counter-rotating quantized vortices and corresponding angular harmonics in the incoherent excitonic reservoir density. Identifying the range of parameter, in which adiabatic elimination of the reservoir is valid, we extend the analytic model beyond the adiabatic approximation. In the circularly symmetric case, we predict a neutral equilibrium phase due to spontaneous breaking of the continuous symmetry, condensate multistability and limit cycle dynamics. We also account for weak trap asymmetry to show that non-adiabaticity of the coupled condensate-reservoir system prevents formation of giant vortices and outline experimental conditions for their observation.