Incoherent excitation and switching of spin states in exciton-polariton condensates

We investigate, theoretically and numerically, the spin dynamics of a two-component exciton-polariton condensate created and sustained by non-resonant spin-polarized optical pumping of a semiconductor microcavity. Using the open-dissipative mean-field model, we show that the existence of well defined phase-locked steady states of the condensate may lead to efficient switching and control of spin (polarization) states with a non-resonant excitation. Spatially inhomogeneous pulsed excitations can cause symmetry breaking in the pseudo-spin structure of the condensate and lead to formation of non-trivial spin textures. Our model is universally applicable to two weakly coupled polariton condensates, and therefore can also describe the behaviour of condensate populations and phases in 'double-well' type potentials

Information processing with topologically protected vortex memories in exciton-polariton condensates

We show that in a non-equilibrium system of an exciton-polariton condensate, where polaritons are generated from incoherent pumping, a ring-shaped pump allows for stationary vortex memory elements of topological charge $m = 1$ or $m = -1$. Using simple potential guides we can choose whether to copy the same charge or invert it onto another spatially separate ring pump. Such manipulation of binary information opens the possibility of a new type processing using vortices as topologically protected memory components