Article,

Non-reciprocal band structures in an exciton--polariton Floquet optical lattice

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Nat. Photonics, (Apr 23, 2024)
DOI: 10.1038/s41566-024-01424-z

Abstract

Periodic temporal modulation of Hamiltonians can induce geometrical and topological phenomena in the dynamics of quantum states. Using the interference between two lasers, we demonstrate an off-resonant optical lattice for a polariton condensate with controllable potential depths and nearest-neighbour coupling strength. Temporal modulation is introduced via a gigahertz frequency detuning between pump lasers, creating a polariton `conveyor belt'. The breaking of time-reversal symmetry causes band structures to become non-reciprocal and acquire a universal tilt given by Planck's constant and the frequency of modulation (h$\Delta$f). The non-reciprocal tilting is connected to the non-trivial topology of the Floquet--Bloch bands, which have a finite Chern number. Detailed characterization of the lattice potential depth and its dynamics highlights the role of high-energy carriers in the formation of optical potential landscapes for polaritons, demonstrating the possibility of modulation faster than the polariton lifetime and opening a pathway towards Floquet engineering in polariton condensates.

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