Quantum amplification of mechanical oscillator motion
Abstract
Quantum mechanically, an object can be described by a pair of noncommuting observables, typically by its position and momentum. The precision to which these observables can be measured is limited by unavoidable quantum fluctuations. However, the method of “squeezing” allows the fluctuations to be manipulated, while preserving the Heisenberg uncertainty relation. This allows improved measurement precision for one observable at the expense of increased fluctuations in the other. Burd et al. now show that an additional displacement of a trapped atom results in amplification of the squeezing and a further improvement in the precision with which the displacement can be determined (see the Perspective by Schleier-Smith). This technique should be useful for a number of applications in metrology.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Pub Defense Publication
- Publication Date
- Jun 21, 2019
- Source ID
- 10.1126/science.aaw2884
Entities
People
- A. C. Wilson
- D. Leibfried
- Daniel Slichter
- David J. Wineland
- David T. Allcock
- John J. Bollinger
- R. Srinivas
- Shaun Burd
Organizations
- National Institute of Standards and Technology
- Office of Naval Research
- University of Colorado
- University of Oregon