Optomechanics with optically levitatednanoparticles
At a Glance
Section titled âAt a Glanceâ| Metadata | Details |
|---|---|
| Publication Date | 2020-01-01 |
| Journal | UR Research (University of Rochester) |
| Authors | Robert M. Pettit |
Abstract
Section titled âAbstractâOptomechanical systems are currently being developed to study foundational questions in quantum mechanics and to push the limits of precision metrology. One particular challenge in designing an optomechanical experiment, however, is the necessary isolation of the test mass from itâs environment. Environmental coupling often leads to degradation of the desired mechanical motion, reducing the systemâs sensitivity as a measurement probe and destroying any quantum coherence that might be contained in the motion of the test mass. To mitigate this challenge, an optomechanical system based on optical levitation of dielectric nanoparticles is constructed. In such a system, environmental coupling is reduced by levitating the test mass to void any need for mechanical tethering, and working in high vacuum to limit the influence of background gases on the motion of the mass. The system is designed around a free-space optical dipole trap or optical tweezer, allowing for easy access to the trapped particle. Using this platform, a connection between the motion of a levitated sphere under the influence of optical feedback and a canonical optical laser is discovered, tested, and verified. Finally, a hybrid system consisting of a levitated nanodiamond with a single nitrogen-vacancy defect center providing an electron spin degree-of-freedom is considered. Manipulations of the single spin are performed in low vacuum and coherence times on the order of 100 ns are observed.
Tech Support
Section titled âTech SupportâOriginal Source
Section titled âOriginal Sourceâ- DOI: None