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Abstract |
Macroscopic quantum states of mechanical oscillators have been proposed as quantum sensors and for tests
of quantum mechanics in unprecedented regimes [1]. In the field of cavity optomechanics, a mechanical
oscillator — such as a membrane or a levitated nanoparticle — is coupled to an optical or microwave
resonator, and the interaction between light and motion can be harnessed to reach the quantum regime for
the oscillator's center-of-mass motion [2]. However, such experiments are typically limited to the preparation
of Gaussian states because they operate in a regime in which the photon-phonon interaction is linearized.
One route to non-Gaussian states is to introduce a nonlinearity via a single cold atom or ion [3]. I will present
an experimental platform under development in which we plan to couple both the center-of-mass motion of a
silica nanoparticle and a dipole transition of a single calcium ion to an optical cavity. As a first step, we have
recently demonstrated techniques for loading and charging nanoparticles in a Paul trap under ultra-high-
vacuum conditions [4] as well as cooling of the particle's secular motion via electrical and optical feedback.
Looking forward, I will discuss the role of trapped ions and the advantages of ion traps for quantum
optomechanical experiments.
[1] F. Fröwis, P. Sekatski, W. Dür, N. Gisin, and N. Sangouard, Rev. Mod. Phys. 90, 025004 (2018)
[2] M. Aspelmeyer, T. J. Kippenberg, and F. Marquardt, Rev. Mod. Phys. 86, 1391 (2014)
[3] A. C. Pflanzer, O. Romero-Isart, and J. I. Cirac, Phys. Rev. A 88, 033804 (2013)
[4] D. S. Bykov, P. Mestres, L. Dania, L. Schmöger, T. E. Northup, Appl. Phys. Lett. 115, 034101 (2019)
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