Spatial and spectral shape of inhomogeneous nonequilibrium exciton-polariton condensates

We develop a mean-field theory of the spatial profile and the spectral properties of polariton condensates in nonresonantly pumped semiconductor microcavities in the strong coupling regime. Specific signatures of the nonequilibrium character of the condensation process are pointed out: a striking sensitivity of the condensate shape on the optical pump spot size is demonstrated by analytical and numerical calculations, in good quantitative agreement with recent experimental observations.