Cohering of multiple polariton lasers for sensing applications

Active modelocking of multiple polariton lasers mediated by real time sensing offers novel capabilities for optically based sensing. We outline a strategy based in part on short range polariton-polariton interactions and in part on an actively managed external optical field coherent with each of the individual polariton lasers. This actively managed coherent optical field is required to establish long range coherence between multiple spatially distinct polariton lasers. Polariton lasers offer nonlinear behavior at excitation levels of a few quanta of the optical field, time constants of picoseconds or less, and optical wavelength dimensions of individual lasers. Achievement of useful long range, hundreds of meters, polariton based optical sensing appears useful, but to require active cohering of arrays of polariton lasers. Continuous metrology and active control of the system coherence offer unique opportunities for sensing approaching quantum limited operation. We consider strategies and capabilities of sensing systems based on such arrays of spatially distinct, but collectively coherent, polariton lasers. Significant advances in a number of technical areas over decades appear needed to achieve such systems.

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