On the theory and simulation of photonic condensates
File(s)
Author(s)
Hesten, Henry
Type
Thesis
Abstract
Photons in a dye filled microcavity have been proven to form Bose-Einstein condensates both
theoretically and experimentally. The system may also be placed in a fundamentally non-
equilibrium state where multiple modes are condensed. This thesis theoretically examines some
of the deviations from traditional Bose-Einstein condensate models which have been observed
and which may be expected in future experiments. Unusual and potentially unseen condensed
states are predicted, along with the unexpected non-critical slowing down of system evolution
when in these states.
A rigorous derivation of a master equation from a microscopic Hamiltonian is given in chapter
two. This is used to study the multimode phases of the condensate in chapter three along with
transitions between them. The temporal evolution of the condensate in various phases and close
to phase boundaries is presented in chapter four. Dramatic improvements in the simulation
of photonic condensates are also discussed in chapter four. These improvements also offer a
conceptual shift in the theoretical description of photonic condensates which allows new insights
to be made. The fifth chapter establishes a foundation of coupled rate equations which may
be used to model the higher order coherences of photons and molecules in future work. Finally
the transport of photons across non-standard cavities is modelled, providing guidance for future
experiments and possible applications of photonic condensates.
theoretically and experimentally. The system may also be placed in a fundamentally non-
equilibrium state where multiple modes are condensed. This thesis theoretically examines some
of the deviations from traditional Bose-Einstein condensate models which have been observed
and which may be expected in future experiments. Unusual and potentially unseen condensed
states are predicted, along with the unexpected non-critical slowing down of system evolution
when in these states.
A rigorous derivation of a master equation from a microscopic Hamiltonian is given in chapter
two. This is used to study the multimode phases of the condensate in chapter three along with
transitions between them. The temporal evolution of the condensate in various phases and close
to phase boundaries is presented in chapter four. Dramatic improvements in the simulation
of photonic condensates are also discussed in chapter four. These improvements also offer a
conceptual shift in the theoretical description of photonic condensates which allows new insights
to be made. The fifth chapter establishes a foundation of coupled rate equations which may
be used to model the higher order coherences of photons and molecules in future work. Finally
the transport of photons across non-standard cavities is modelled, providing guidance for future
experiments and possible applications of photonic condensates.
Version
Open Access
Date Issued
2019-08
Date Awarded
2020-02
Copyright Statement
Creative Commons Attribution NonCommercial Licence
Advisor
Nyman, Robert
Mintert, Florian
Sponsor
Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council
Publisher Department
Physics
Publisher Institution
Imperial College London
Qualification Level
Doctoral
Qualification Name
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)