Quantum statistical theory for an exciton-polariton condensate: Fluctuations and coherence

Abstract

A full quantum theory beyond the mean-field regime is developed for an exciton-polariton condensate, for a complete understanding of quantum fluctuations. We find an analytical solution for the polariton density matrix, showing the nonlinearity causing fast relaxation correlated with the pump so as to yield the quantum condensation above threshold. Increasing the pump intensity, a nonequilibrium phase transition towards the condensation of the lower polaritons emerges, with a statistics transiting from a thermal, through a super-Poissonian, and towards a nonclassical distribution; the latter two possess off-diagonal long-range order but the last one is beyond. The results signify the role of dark states for polariton fluctuations, and lead to a nonclassical counting statistics of emitted photons, which elaborates the role of the key parameters, e.g., pump, detuning, and temperature.