Flat-band compactons in a two-dimensional driven-dissipative Lieb lattice

Abstract

We experimentally study the effect of inter-particle interactions on the flat-band states of a two-dimensional Lieb lattice with drive and dissipation. Exploiting the giant nonlinear interactions of exciton polaritons we observe compactly localised solitons (compactons) embedded within the continuum of propagating state bands -- a form of nonlinear bound state in the continuum (BIC). The driven-dissipative nature of the system leads to a sudden self-localisation into the compacton state above a threshold power. The experimental results agree well with numerical simulations. These results have implications for the physics of interacting quantum particles in flat-band systems and for generation of quantum-correlated light and spatially multiplexed coherent information transport.