QUOM

Quantum Optomechanics using Monolithic Micro-Resonators

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 Obiettivo del progetto (Objective)

'Research groups working on mechanical systems ranging in size from nanometer-scale oscillators or centimeter-scale optical cavities to kilometer-scale gravity wave detectors are all independently approaching a regime, where the observation of quantum mechanical phenomena with mechanical objects might become observable. These results have been catalyzed by the recent development of a novel laser cooling technique which allows cooling mechanical oscillators coupled to an optical resonator. As a result researchers from backgrounds as diverse as astrophysical gravity waves, mesoscopic condensed matter physics, and quantum optics are converging on a common set of goals related to quantum effects in mechanical systems. These goals relate to the observation of a distinct set of phenoma, such as quantum-backaction, ground state cooling, entanglement and generation of non-classical states of motion which would hallmark the birth of a new research field, “quantum optomechanics”. Within this scientific setting, the applicant will join the research group of Dr. T.J. Kippenberg within the Division of Laser Spectroscopy of T.W. Haensch and seek to demonstrate quantum phenomena of mechanical objects in the form of toroidal monolithic microcavities. Within the tenure of the applicant it is expected to observe quantum mechanical phenomena relating to macroscopic mechanical objects. The training aspects of the project involve a significant enlargement of the scientific field of the applicant into a fast-advancing moving new area of opto-mechanics of micro-resonators, acquisition of cutting-edge micro-fabrication technical skills and the development of project management and apprentice guidance methods, essential for an independent research career. The hosting institution is the Max Planck Institute of Quantum Optics (MPQ), a world renowned center for quantum optics. The applicant is a French scientist, with Ph.D. training at the ENS, and seeking to expand his scientific knowledge.'

Introduzione (Teaser)

New ways are emerging to help scientists observe physics-related phenomena at the quantum level. A new initiative from the EU-funded QUOM project is unifying this knowledge and elaborating a new way of thinking in this direction.

Descrizione progetto (Article)

Across the different fields of scientific research and physics, quantum mechanical phenomena involved in mechanical objects are revealing themselves slowly but surely. We are closer than ever to observing these various phenomena, whether on the nanometre scale, centimetre scale or kilometre scale, i.e. from tiny scale oscillators to large gravity wave detectors. As scientists involved in these fields report their findings independently, it is becoming clearer that a unified picture and common set of goals related to quantum effects in mechanical systems must emerge.

Novel laser cooling techniques have made these quantum phenomena such as quantum back-action, ground state cooling and non-classical states of motion manifest themselves more readily. This may even herald a new research field called quantum optomechanics.

In more technical terms, the project team is aiming to observe quantum mechanical phenomena relating to macroscopic mechanical objects. It is working on displaying quantum phenomena of mechanical objects in the form of toroidal monolithic microcavities. The 'Quantum optomechanics using monolithic micro-resonators' (QUOM) team has already achieved its goals, thanks in part to the development of a cryogenic apparatus to preserve microcavities at low temperatures and observe the results. The team also studied microstructures using a new technique that measures optomechanical properties at very low light intensities.

Numerous results at a fine level of granularity and accuracy have been gleaned from these experiments, using novel laboratory methods and techniques. Advances have included new ultra sensitive detection schemes, development of optical resonances sensitive to nano-resonator motion and much more.

Another important experiment involved Helium 3, which brought to light many interesting results, new effects and useful observations. These are allowing for other important experiments to be conducted, shedding much light on optomechanics and the quantum field. With this, observation of quantum radiation pressure noise, i.e. measurements beyond the standard quantum limit should in principle be possible, and so will other quantum signatures such as quantum friction. This project has set the pace for these discoveries, and the few years to come will be very interesting in this respect.