Transient optomechanically induced transparency in a silica microsphere

Abstract

We report an experimental study of transient optomechanically induced transparency (OMIT) using a silica microsphere as a model optomechanical resonator. Transient OMIT processes were probed with a time-gated heterodyne detection technique. OMIT spectral responses were also measured as the OMIT process evolved toward the steady state. The transient OMIT behaviors observed are in good agreement with theoretical calculations based on the coupled-oscillator model. Specifically, the characteristic time scale for establishing the OMIT process is determined by the optomechanical cooperativity as well as the mechanical damping rate.