Polariton-based optical switch

Abstract

Based on the studies of propagation of an exciton-polariton condensate in a patterned optical microcavity with an embedded graphene layer, we propose a design of a Y-shaped electrically-controlled optical switch. The polaritons are driven by a time-independent force due to the microcavity wedge shape and by a time-dependent drag force owing to the interaction of excitons in graphene and the electric current running in a neighboring quantum well. It is demonstrated that one can control the polariton flow direction by changing the direction of the electric current. The simulations also show that an external electric field normal to the microcavity plane can be utilized as an additional parameter that controls the propagation of the signals in the switch. By considering the transient dynamics of the polariton condensate, we estimate the response speed of the switch. Finally, we propose a design of the polariton switch in a flat microcavity based on the geometrically identical Y-shaped quantum well and graphene pattern where the polariton flow is only induced by the drag force.