Formation and control of transverse patterns in a coherent quantum gas of polaritons

Abstract:

Pattern formation is a common phenomenon in nature, attracting attention across all disciplines of science. Here we discuss the formation and the optical control of hexagonal patterns in a coherently driven semiconductor quantum-well microcavity. In this system, we recently demonstrated and analyzed the formation and control of polariton patterns. In my talk I will discuss the analogies but also differences with other pattern-forming systems.