Synchronization in optically-trapped polariton Stuart-Landau networks

Abstract: We demonstrate tunable dissipative interactions between optically trapped exciton-polariton condensates. We apply annular shaped nonresonant optical beams to both generate and confine each condensate to their respective traps, pinning their natural frequencies. Coupling between condensates is realized through the finite escape rate of coherent polaritons from the traps leading to robust phase locking with neighboring condensates. The coupling is controlled by adjusting the polariton propagation distance between neighbors. This permits us to map out regimes of both strong and weak dissipative coupling, with the former characterized by clear in-phase and anti-phase synchronization of the condensates. With robust single-energy occupation governed by dissipative coupling of optically-trapped polariton condensates, we present a system which offers a potential optical platform for the optimization of randomly connected $XY$ Hamiltonians.