Topological Polaritons in Semiconductor Photonic Crystal Structures: Exotic band structures and topological polariton states for quantum simulation and future optoelectronic devices

Project Information

TOPOPOLIS

Grant agreement ID: 705955

DOI

10.3030/705955

Project closed

EC signature date 24 February 2016

Start date 1 March 2016

End date 28 February 2018

Funded under

• EXCELLENT SCIENCE - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions

Total cost

€ 159 460,80

EU contribution

€ 159 460,80

Coordinated by

JULIUS-MAXIMILIANS-UNIVERSITAT WURZBURG
Germany

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - TOPOPOLIS (Topological Polaritons in Semiconductor Photonic Crystal Structures: Exotic band structures and topological polariton states for quantum simulation and future optoelectronic devices)

Reporting period: 2016-03-01 to 2018-02-28

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

This project aimed at the fundamental understanding and realization of topologically protected edge modes in a hybrid light-matter system. These hybrid states are so-called exciton-polaritons, hosted by technologically well-developed semiconductor structures. Topological insulators are a class of materials in which topological invariants lead to a robustness against perturbations. Probably the most striking feature is the emergence of topological edge states at the boundary areas with distinct topological invariants. The measurable physical effect is robust, unidirectional transport, unaffected by disorder or defects. Topological insulators have for the fist time been observed in the integer quantum Hall effect, meaning in electron transport physics. Since then, manifestations of topological effects have been demonstrated in a wide range of field, including cold atoms, acoustics, mechanics, microwaves and notably photonic systems. Topological insulators have been proposed theoretically for exciton-polaritons in lattice potential landscapes, such as e.g. the honeycomb lattice. The striking advantage of using a system that is part-light, part-matter is that the light part allows for propagation and the system to be measured by spectroscopy techniques, while the matter part allows for interactions, manipulation and is susceptible to magnetic fields.
The overall objectives of this fellowship, next to the mutual exchange of knowledge, is the epitaxial growth and processing of semiconductor microcavity landscapes, the subsequent spectroscopical investigation, all towards the final goal of a polariton topological insulator.
During the 24 month project period the MSCA Fellow Sebastian Klembt and the host institution, the TEP group lead by Prof. Höfling have intensely shared knowledge and ideas regarding sample preparation and device technology, experiment design and spectroscopic methods. We have made advance in the control of polariton lattice structures leading to publications, demonstrating Flatband- and Dirac-cone dispersions, typical for honeycomb- and Lieb-lattice geometries. Furthermore we have studied and published on the propagation behavior and condensation dynamics of polaritons in confined structures, which are important pre-requisites for polariton topological insulators. Final experiments on polariton honeycomb lattices under magnetic field have shown first hints of polariton edge modes that might lead to a full demonstration of a polariton topological insulator. The collaboration has been highly beneficial for both sides and we firmly believe that the mutual support has been crucial for the success of the project.

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

In order to realize the proposals for polariton topological insulators, which use a combination of TE/TM-mode splitting and Zeeman-splitting to open a topological gap and to create a topologically protected edge mode in a honeycomb geometry, we have investigated various microcavity sample designs with a focus on half-etched and etch-and-overgrowth microcavities. Here, we find that both techniques allow for a good parameter control and a very similar mode hybridization. Subsequently, the cavity structures have been experimentally optimized (with respect to the theoretical proposals) for their optical quality, Zeeman- and TE/TM-splitting.
In a Lieb-lattice geometry, that shares some distinct features with the honeycomb lattice, we have observed condensation in S- and P-band flatband states. Within a careful investigation of the properties of micropillars - the building blocks for lattice potential structures - results on polariton propagation behavior and the temporal coherence of trapped polariton condensates have been published.
In a significant technical advance, we have been able to demonstrate that polaritons in lattices can, in addition to laser excitation, also be excited (and potentially be tuned) electrically by doping and contacting polariton lattices. Finally, experiments on polariton lattices under magnetic field have shown first hints of polariton edge modes that might lead to a full demonstration of a polariton topological insulator.
Results have been published in peer-reviewed journals and have been made available on open access platforms, such as arXiv.org. In addition, results have been presented and discussed on international conferences and workshops.

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

The demonstration of a polariton topological insulator would certainly, not only expand the state-of-the-art of semiconductor physics but of a wide range of fields, dealing with the creation, control and understanding of topologically protected states. They can be envisaged to build the bases for new technologies for the transfer of information or for computational purposes, but so far a more fundamental understanding is in the focus of research. Our results, will and have certainly made some advance towards the realization of a polariton topological insulator and all results on polaritons in potential landscapes, published within this project have advanced the state-of-the-art of exciton-polariton research. A final experimental demonstration of a polariton topological insulator is still pending.

Electron microscopy image of a polariton honeycomb lattice, realized within the TOPOPOLIS project.