Lossy anharmonic polaritons under periodic driving

We report on the anharmonic signatures in dissipative polaritons' stationary energy distribution and thermodynamics under external periodic driving. First, we introduce a dynamic model for the dissipative anharmonic Jaynes-Cummings polariton with a generic time-periodic interaction representing modulations of the polariton's energy due to an external force or field. We characterize the stationary state in terms of the exciton, phonon, and interaction energy dependence on the phonon anharmonicity, exciton-phonon coupling strength, and intensity and form of the external field-polariton coupling. Our model also captures the quantum thermodynamics of the driven polariton, which we analyze in connection with the irreversible heat, maximum power, and efficiency of the process. We find considerable differences in energy distribution and thermodynamics between harmonic, moderate, and strongly anharmonic polaritons. Moreover, comparing the external modulations to the phonon and exciton energy, we conclude that the former enhances the polariton's energy storage capacity and is occasionally limited by interference effects and energy saturation at the exciton.