Macroscopic Superposition
In the study of the boundary between quantum and classical behavior, understanding the key role of decoherence mechanisms is very important. The remarkably high quality factors attained in micromechanical resonators in addition to their relatively large masses make mechanical superposition states an achievable platform for the study of unconventional decoherence.
The aim of this project is to prepare a macroscopic, massive object in a quantum superposition state with the purpose of testing proposed models of quantum decoherence.
In order to achieve this goal, we fabricate mechanical resonators with extremely high quality factors using UCSB’s advanced nanofabrication facilities. We place our devices inside and optical cavity, and we control and measure their motion optomechanically by exploiting the radiation pressure interaction between laser light and the mechanical elements.
Recent publications
Stimulated Raman adiabatic passage in optomechanics
V Fedoseev, F Luna, W Löffler, D Bouwmeester
arXiv preprint arXiv:1911.11464
Optimal Optomechanical Coupling Strength in Multi-Membrane Systems
DC Newsom, F Luna, V Fedoseev, W Löffler, D Bouwmeester
arXiv preprint arXiv:1909.11384
Strong thermomechanical squeezing in a far-detuned membrane-in-the-middle system
S Sonar, V Fedoseev, MJ Weaver, F Luna, E Vlieg, H van der Meer, D Bouwmeester, W Löffler
Physical Review A 98 (1), 013804
Phonon interferometry for measuring quantum decoherence
MJ Weaver, D Newsom, F Luna, W Löffler, D Bouwmeester
Physical Review A 97 (6), 063832
Coherent optomechanical state transfer between disparate mechanical resonators
MJ Weaver, F Buters, F Luna, H Eerkens, K Heeck, S de Man, D Bouwmeester
Nature communications 8 (1), 1-7