Optically controllable localization of exciton polariton condensates in a potential lattice

Exciton polaritons are inherently non-Hermitian systems with adjustable gain and loss coefficients. In this work we show that exciton polariton condensates can be selectively localized in an optically-induced lattice with equal potential depth by judiciously controlling a second focused pump with a very small size. Specifically, the localized polariton condensate can be tuned among different potential traps by adjusting the relative distance between the small pump spot and the potential lattice. The adjustment of the excitation position of the smaller pump and its combination with the bigger pump for the potential creation induce a position-dependent loss distribution across the system. The localization of the exciton polariton condensate and its control are independent of the orientation of the potential lattice, thus, even in slightly disordered system, one can selectively excite such localized polariton condensates. Our results illuminate a path to manipulate the non-Hermitian bosonic condensates in integrated photonic chips.