From coherent to incoherent hexagonal patterns in semiconductor resonators

We find that hexagonal structures forming in semiconductor resonators can range from coherent patterns to arrangements of loosely bound spatial solitons, which can be individually switched. Such incoherent arrangements are stabilized by gradient forces, as evidenced by the stability of hexagonal structures with single- or multiple-soliton defects. We interpret the experimental observations by numerical simulations based on a model for a large aperture semiconductor microresonator.