Exotic states of matter with polariton chains

Abstract

We consider linear periodic chains of exciton-polariton condensates formed by pumping polaritons non-resonantly into a linear network. To the leading order, such a sequence of condensates establishes relative phases as to minimize a classical one-dimensional XY Hamiltonian with nearest and next to nearest neighbors. We show that the low energy states of polaritonic linear chains demonstrate various classical regimes: ferromagnetic, antiferromagnetic and frustrated spiral phases, where quantum or thermal fluctuations are expected to give rise to a spin liquid state. At the same time nonlinear interactions at higher pumping intensities bring about phase chaos and novel exotic phases.