Optically erasing disorder in semiconductor microcavities using polariton-polariton interactions

Abstract

Through resonant coherent optical excitation of upper branch polaritons in semiconductor microcavities, an effective screening of the disorder potential experienced by lower branch polaritons is predicted. The effect is due to polariton–polariton interactions, which generate bistability for the upper-polariton states and introduce an effective potential for lower-polaritons. The effect represents a simple tool to improve the characteristics of devices operating in the low density regime.