Rashba-Dresselhaus spin-orbit coupling and polarization-coupled luminescence in an organic single crystal microcavity

Abstract

Spin-orbit coupling (SOC) of light plays a fundamental photophysics that is important for various fields such as materials science, optics, and quantum technology, contributing to the elucidation of new physical phenomena and the development of innovative applications. In this study, we investigate the impact of SOC in a microcavity system using the highly oriented molecular crystal. The unique molecular alignment of our crystal creates substantial optical anisotropy, enabling the observation of significant SOC effects within a microcavity form. Through angle-resolved photoluminescence measurements and theoretical calculations, the presence of Rashba-Dresselhaus (RD) SOC in the lower branch of polariton modes is revealed. We have observed for the first time polarization-coupled emission from polariton modes due to the RD-SOC effect in a microcavity with a medium having both strong light-matter coupling and strong optical anisotropy. Theoretical investigations further elucidate the intricate interplay between the RD-SOC effect and anisotropic light-matter coupling, leading to the emergence of both circularly and diagonally polarized mode splittings. This study not only advances our understanding of optical SOC in microcavities but also highlights the potential of highly oriented molecular crystals in manipulating SOC effects without external electric or magnetic fields. These findings offer greatly promising platforms for developing topological photonics and quantum technologies.