Polariton Spin Whirls

Abstract: We report on the observation of spin whirls in a radially expanding polariton condensate formed under non-resonant optical excitation. Real space imaging of polarization- and time-resolved photoluminescence reveal a spiralling polarization pattern in the plane of the microcavity. Simulations of the spatiotemporal dynamics of a spinor condensate reveal the crucial role of polariton interactions with a spinor exciton reservoir. Harnessing spin dependent interactions between the exciton reservoir and polariton condensates allows for the manipulation of spin currents and the realization of dynamic collective spin effects in solid state systems.