Manipulating spectral topology and exceptional points by nonlinearity in non-Hermitian polariton systems

Abstract

Exceptional points (EPs), with their intriguing spectral topology, have attracted considerable attention in a broad range of physical systems, with potential sensing applications driving much of the present research in this field. Here, we investigate spectral topology and EPs in systems with significant nonlinearity, exemplified by a nonequilibrium exciton-polariton condensate. With the possibility to control loss and gain and nonlinearity by optical means, this system allows for a comprehensive analysis of the interplay of nonlinearities (Kerr type and saturable gain) and non-Hermiticity. Not only do we find that EPs can be intentionally shifted in parameter space by the saturable gain, but we also observe intriguing rotations and intersections of Riemann surfaces and find nonlinearity-enhanced sensing capabilities. With this, our results illustrate the potential of tailoring spectral topology and related phenomena in non-Hermitian systems by nonlinearity. © 2024 authors. Published by the American Physical Society. Published by the American Physical Society under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International license. Further distribution of this work must maintain attribution to the author(s) and the published article's title, journal citation, and DOI.