Experimental characterization of nonlocal photon fluids

Vocke, D., Roger, T., Marino, F., Wright, E. M., Carusotto, I., Clerici, M. and Faccio, D. (2015) Experimental characterization of nonlocal photon fluids. Optica, 2(5), pp. 484-490. (doi: 10.1364/OPTICA.2.000484)

Abstract

Quantum gases of atoms and exciton-polaritons are now well-established theoretical and experimental tools for fundamental studies of quantum many-body physics and suggest promising applications to quantum computing. Given their technological complexity, it is of paramount interest to devise other systems where such quantum many-body physics can be investigated at lesser technological expense. Here we examine a relatively well-known system of laser light propagating through thermo-optical defocusing media: based on a hydrodynamic description of light as a quantum fluid of interacting photons, we investigate such systems as a valid room-temperature alternative to atomic or exciton–polariton condensates for studies of many-body physics. First, we show that by using a technique traditionally used in oceanography it is possible to perform a direct measurement of the single-particle part of the dispersion relation of the elementary excitations on top of the photon fluid and to detect its global flow. Then, using a pump-and-probe setup, we investigate the dispersion of excitation modes of the fluid: for very long wavelengths, a sonic, dispersionless propagation is observed that we interpret as a signature of superfluid behavior.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Clerici, Professor Matteo and Faccio, Professor Daniele
• Authors: Vocke, D., Roger, T., Marino, F., Wright, E. M., Carusotto, I., Clerici, M., and Faccio, D.
• College/School: College of Science and Engineering > School of Engineering > Electronics and Nanoscale Engineering; College of Science and Engineering > School of Physics and Astronomy
• Journal Name: Optica
• Publisher: The Optical Society
• ISSN: 2334-2536
• ISSN (Online): 2334-2536
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2015 Optical Society of America
• First Published: First published in Optica 2(5):484-490
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher