Mesoscopic quantum science and metrology with levitated mechanical systems

Abstract

Within the last few years, proof-of-principle experiments and theory have uncovered a new frontier in the control of matter???s mechanical motion with implications for the foundations of quantum mechanics; statistical mechanics and thermodynamics; high resolution sensing and metrology; and applied quantum science. Levitated mechanical resonators span a wide range ofparameters, with volumes from 10-24 to 10-6 m3 and translational oscillation frequencies from Hz to MHz. At the same time, they offer immunity from many of the dissipation channels that plague conventional optomechanical systems, resulting in quality factors as high as ~ 1011. Our multidisciplinary team has been at the forefront of these early developments. Through the coordinated efforts of this BRC program we will develop novel experimental infrastructure tobring levitated mechanical systems into the quantum domain. We will accomplish this by applying multi-faceted approaches to controlling the dynamics of levitated mechanical oscillators, their interactions with engineered environments, their integration into hybrid quantum systems, and theintroduction of novel materials and geometries. Our team will combine expertise in optical physics, condensed matter physics, cryogenic and vacuum techniques, precision sensing and materials science to understand, create and control levitated mechanical platforms that will serve as qualitatively new testbeds for quantum science, precision sensing and materials science.

Document Details

Document Type
DoD Grant Award
Publication Date
Jul 10, 2018
Source ID
N000141812370

Entities

People

  • A. Nickolas Vamivakas

Organizations

  • Office of Naval Research
  • United States Navy
  • University of Rochester

Tags

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Quantum Dot Semiconductor Device Photonics and Graphene Optoelectronic Materials and THz Physics.
  • Research Science/Academic Research

Technology Areas

  • Quantum Computing