Optically generated quantum fluids of light reveal exotic matter-wave states in condensed matter physics

Researchers from Skoltech and the University of Southampton, U.K., have used all-optical methods to create an artificial lattice whose nodes house polaritons—quasiparticles that are half-light and half-matter excitations in semiconductors. This so-called Lieb lattice, which usually does not occur in nature, enabled the team to demonstrate breakthrough results important for condensed matter physics. From the applications perspective, the laser-generated polariton lattice, reported in Nature Communications, can be used for the design of next-generation devices like optical computers reliant on dispersion management and guided light.