Dynamics of phase defects trapped in optically imprinted orbits in dissipative binary polariton condensates

Abstract

We study the dynamics of phase defects trapped in a finite optically imprinted ring lattice in binary polariton condensates, under the influence of the cross interaction (CI) between the condensate fractions in different spin components and the spin-orbit interaction (SOI). In this configuration, we find that a vortex circulates unidirectionally in optically induced orbits because of the Magnus force acting in the polariton fluid and the vortex' angular velocity is influenced by the SOI and CI. Interestingly, in our system, these two interactions can also lead to elongated and frozen phase defects, forming a frozen dark solution with similarity to a dark soliton but with finite size in both spin components. When the dark solution is stretched further to occupy the entire orbit of a condensate ring, the phase defect triggers a snake instability and induces the decay of the dark ring solution. The circulation direction of a single vortex is determined by the Magnus force. This situation is more complex for the group motion of multiple vortices because of significant vortex-antivortex interaction. The collective motion of such vortex constellations, however, is determined by the SOI. © 2022 American Physical Society.