Optomechanical System Research Articles

Membrane-in-the-middle optomechanical system and structural frequencies

Membrane-in-the-middle optomechanical system and structural frequencies

Ultra‐Stable Phonon Laser Through Closed‐Loop Feedback Control for Optomechanical Sensing

AbstractThe resonant amplification of the optical and mechanical components in cavity optomechanical systems enhances the performance of sensing applications, which rely on precise frequency control and narrowed mechanical linewidth. This study proposes a direct closed‐loop feedback technique for a narrow linewidth phonon laser based on optomechanical self‐oscillation. By continuously pumping a mechanical resonator with a laser, a phonon laser is achieved with an oscillation frequency of 17.58 MHz, exhibiting a narrow linewidth of just 0.44 mHz and an effective mechanical Q of 4 × 1010, while preserving the linear frequency response. The oscillator phase is fed back to the pump laser, yielding a mechanical frequency stability of 7.2 × 10−11 and providing a real‐time output of direct current voltage corresponding to the oscillator frequency changes. The system's real‐time sensing capability is tested using fiber probes and polystyrene particles, demonstrating a performance approach to the theoretical resolution limit. This work opens new avenues for real‐time precision measurement technology and can be extended to different optomechanical systems.

Chaotic dynamics under the influence of a synthetic magnetic field in an optomechanical system

Chaotic dynamics under the influence of a synthetic magnetic field in an optomechanical system

Imaging a force field via an optically levitated nanoparticle array

Abstract Levitated optomechanical systems represent an excellent candidate platform for force and acceleration sensing. We propose a force-sensing protocol utilizing an optically levitated nanoparticle array. In our scheme, N nanoparticles are trapped in an optical cavity using holographic optical tweezers. An external laser drives the cavity, exciting N cavity modes interacting simultaneously with the N nanoparticles. The optomechanical interaction encodes the information of the force acting on each nanoparticle onto the intracavity photons, which can be detected directly at the output ports of the cavity. Consequently, our protocol enables real-time imaging of a force field.

Tripartite Quantum Entanglement with Squeezed Optomechanics

AbstractThe ability to engineer entangled states that involve macroscopic objects is of particular importance for a wide variety of quantum‐enabled technologies, ranging from quantum information processing to quantum sensing. Here how to achieve coherent manipulation and enhancement of quantum entanglement in a hybrid optomechanical system, which consists of a Fabry–Pérot cavity with two movable mirrors, an optical parametric amplifier (OPA), and an injected squeezed vacuum reservoir is proposed. It is shown that the advantages of this system are twofold: 1) one can effectively regulate the light‐mirror interactions by introducing a squeezed intracavity mode via the OPA; 2) when properly matching the squeezing parameters between the squeezed cavity mode and the injected squeezed vacuum reservoir, the optical input noises can be suppressed completely. These peculiar features of this system allow the generation and manipulation of quantum entanglement in a coherent and controllable way. More importantly, it is also found that such controllable entanglement, under some specific squeezing parameters, can be considerably enhanced in comparison with those of the conventional optomechanical system. The work, providing a promising method to regulate and tailor the light‐mirror interaction, is poised to serve as a useful tool for engineering various quantum effects which are based on cavity optomechanics.

Coherent feedback ground state cooling of the mechanical resonator in quadratic optomechanical system assisted by an atomic ensemble

We propose a scheme for cooling a mechanical resonator to its ground state in a quadratic optomechanical system, assisted by an atomic ensemble in the unresolved sideband regime. The system features an auxiliary cavity directly coupled to an optical cavity, with a portion of the optical cavity’s output field being fed back through an asymmetric beam splitter. Utilizing quantum Langevin and master equations, we derive the optical fluctuation spectrum, the cooling rate, and the mean phonon number of the mechanical resonator. Our results demonstrate that the feedback mechanism substantially enhances the cooling rate. Furthermore, under optimal cooling conditions, the mechanical resonator achieves ground state cooling even with weaker optomechanical coupling strengths and higher auxiliary cavity dissipation rates, thereby mitigating the experimental constraints associated with these parameters. Additionally, we provide the feasible ranges for optomechanical coupling strength and atomic decay rates. Our findings suggest promising avenues for quantum manipulation in nonlinear systems and its applications in macroscopic optical devices.

Dual-driving parametric locking of GHz phonon sources to sub-hertz linewidth in optomechanical systems

In the exploration of collective dynamics and advanced information processing, synchronization and frequency locking of mechanical oscillations are cornerstone phenomena. Traditional synchronization techniques, which typically involve a single mechanical mode, are limited by their inability to distinguish between intrinsic mechanical oscillations and external signals after locking. Addressing this challenge, we introduce a parametric approach that enables simultaneous frequency locking of two gigahertz mechanical modes within an optomechanical crystal cavity. By modulating the pump light to match the sum and difference frequencies of the mechanical modes, we significantly narrow their linewidths from tens of kilohertz to below 1 Hz at room temperature and ambient pressure. This dual-locking scheme also drastically reduces the phase noise of the mechanical modes by 76.6 dBc/Hz at a 100 Hz offset, while allowing flexible tuning of the locked modes’ frequencies via input signal adjustments. Our method not only facilitates direct observation of mechanical oscillations under the locking regime but also enriches the understanding of coherent phonons in multimode regimes, opening new avenues for optomechanical applications in signal processing.

Proximity-encirclement of exceptional points in a multimode optomechanical system

Dynamic encirclement of second-order exceptional points (EPs) exhibits chiral state transfer; however, investigations into the dynamics involving multiple and higher-order EPs remain sparse. Here, we study the proximity-encirclement of EPs within a multimode optomechanical system to elucidate the closed-path evolution in high-order non-Hermitian systems. Our optomechanical framework presents three distinct EP scenarios: absence of EPs, presence of a pair of second-order EPs, and the existence of a third-order EP. We meticulously analyze the system’s dynamic behavior, considering variables such as initial state, loop orientation and velocity, loop starting point variance, and the number and order of encircled EPs during state transfer processes. The findings reveal that chiral or non-reciprocal state transfer can be achieved when a loop encircles a second-order EP with varying radii. Encircling two second-order EPs results exclusively in chiral state transfer. Furthermore, both chiral and non-reciprocal state transfers are observed within a single loop encircling a third-order EP. These phenomena in the context of multimode optomechanical systems provide a new approach for manipulating state transfer in higher-order non-Hermitian systems.

Enhancing sideband cooling by initial photon-phonon correlation

We propose an optimized sideband cooling protocol for an optomechanical system coupled to a mechanical non-Markovian reservoir, considering the presence of initial system correlations. By incorporating the effect of initial correlations in the Heisenberg equations, we derive a more stringent dependence on the initial conditions and time-dependent evolution of the phonon numbers. Our findings demonstrate that considering the initial correlations can significantly reduce the number of phonons during the cooling process. Moreover, by adjusting the strength and phase of the initial correlation, the ground-state cooling process can be accelerated. We observe a characterization of this cooling optimization process that resembles the phenomenon of entanglement death and revival. This work provides a promising platform for effectively manipulating phonons and facilitating quantum information processing in optomechanical systems.

Feasible generation of gravity-induced entanglement by using optomechanical systems

Feasible generation of gravity-induced entanglement by using optomechanical systems

Inhomogeneous broadening effects on bistable behavior in a hybrid optomechanical system

Optical bistability is investigated for optomechanical system composed of an ensemble of inhomogeneously broadened two-level atoms embedded between the two mirrors of the optical cavity, that is subjected to two input (strong and probe) fields. We consider two types of inhomogeneous broadened distributions, namely, Lorentzian and Gaussian line shapes. The first order harmonic components of the output fields (due to the presence of probe field) show reversed and knotted bistability shapes simultaneously with the standard bistable shape of the fundamental component of the field at frequency ωc\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\omega _{c}$$\\end{document}. The inhomogeneous broadened line width for both Lorentzian and Gaussian distribution affects the dispersive switching of the system, as well as the bistable behavior. Locations of the maxima of photon numbers associated with higher harmonics of the output fields are identified with respect to the probe field frequency.

Anomalous thermodynamic cost of clock synchronization

Clock synchronization is critically important in positioning, navigation and timing systems. While its performance has been intensively studied in a wide range of disciplines, much less is known for the fundamental thermodynamics of clock synchronization‒what limits the precision and how to optimize the energy cost for clock synchronization. Here, we report the first experimental investigation of two stochastic autonomous clocks synchronization, unveiling the thermodynamic relation between the entropy cost and clock synchronization in an open cavity optomechanical system. Two interacting clocks are synchronized spontaneously owing to the disparate decay rates of hybrid modes by engineering the controllable cavity-mediated dissipative coupling. The measured dependence of the degree of synchronization on the overall entropy cost exhibits an unexpected non-monotonic characteristic, while the relation between the degree of synchronization and the entropy cost for the synchronization is monotonically decreasing. The investigation of transient dynamics of clock synchronization exposes a trade-off between energy and time consumption. Our results demonstrate the possibility of clock synchronization in an effective linear system, reveal the fundamental relation between clock synchronization and thermodynamics, and have a great potential for precision measurements, distributed quantum networks, and biological science.

Monogamy of quantum correlations shared in a cavity-freeoptomechanical system

In this work, we discuss the monogamy property of quantum correlations (entanglement and steering) distributed in a cavity-free optomechanical system. In a tripartite pure Gaussian state, we verify the hierarchy of the studied quantum correlations. We investigate in detail the CKW-type monogamy inequalities, based on Gaussian Rényi-2 entropy entanglement, as well as, Gaussian steering. We quantify genuine tripartite entanglement by using the minimum residual Gaussian entanglement. In addition, we consider the minimum residual Gaussian steering as a quantifier of genuine tripartite steering. Our results indicate that, in the one-mode versus two-mode Gaussian state, the correlations hierarchy was respected; in the considered pure state, the monogamy of entanglement and steering distribution was proven and the studied genuine tripartite correlations have similar time evolution under the same conditions.

Coulomb-enhanced transparency and prolonged slow light in a linear and quadratic optomechanical system

Coulomb-enhanced transparency and prolonged slow light in a linear and quadratic optomechanical system

Optically levitated micro gyroscopes with an MHz rotational vaterite rotor

The field of levitated optomechanics has experienced significant advancements in manipulating the translational and rotational dynamics of optically levitated particles and exploring their sensing applications. The concept of using optically levitated particles as gyroscopes to measure angular motion has long been explored but has not yet been proven either theoretically or experimentally. In this study, we present the first rotor gyroscope based on optically levitated high-speed rotating particles. The gyroscope is composed of a micrometer-size ellipsoidal vaterite particle that is driven to rotate at MHz frequencies in a vacuum environment. When an external angular velocity is input, the optical axis deviates from its initial position, resulting in changes in the frequency and amplitude of the rotational signal. By analyzing these changes, the angular velocity of the input can be accurately detected, making it the smallest rotor gyroscope in the world. The angular rate bias instability of the gyroscope is measured to be 0.08°/s and can be further improved to as low as 10−9°/h theoretically by cooling the motion and increasing the angular moment of the levitated particle. Our work opens a new application paradigm for levitated optomechanical systems and may pave the way for the development of quantum rotor gyroscopes.

Approach for predicting and adjusting the pointing accuracy of opto-mechanical systems considering multi-source uncertainty.

Pointing accuracy is a critical performance indicator of opto-mechanical systems, directly affecting the systems' efficiency and application range. This study introduces what we believe to be a novel approach for predicting pointing accuracy and adjusting processes in opto-mechanical systems, considering multi-source uncertainty quantification. First, the relationship between error components and total error is quantified using homogeneous coordinate transformation theory. Second, by applying the Nataf transformation to uncertain variables, a hybrid interval-probabilistic uncertainty quantification model based on generalized polynomial chaos is constructed. Third, by selecting points from the probability distribution domain, a parameterized finite element simulation is conducted to create a pointing accuracy prediction model, obtaining the theoretical limit accuracy for the opto-mechanical system. Finally, considering multi-bolt elastic interactions, an assembly process adjustment model is developed to achieve performance-based assembly process adjustments, and tests are conducted to measure the pointing accuracy of the opto-mechanical system after calibration. Pointing accuracy measurements following calibration showed an improvement from 249" to 117", an increase of 53.01%, approaching the theoretical limit of 108". This approach requires only one adjustment to approach optimal accuracy compared to eight adjustments with traditional methods, greatly enhancing assembly efficiency. This study offers a theoretical foundation for predicting and adjusting pointing accuracy in opto-mechanical systems.

Tripartite entanglement in a detuned non-degenerate optical parametric oscillator

Continuous variable multipartite entanglement is an important resource in quantum optics and quantum information. Non-degenerate optical parametric oscillator (NOPO), generally working in a resonant regime, can generate high quality tripartite entanglement. However, the detuning in a real experiment is inevitable and sometimes necessary, for instance, in an optomechanical system. We calculate the tripartite entanglement from a detuned triply quasi-resonant NOPO. Unlike the previous literature using inseparability criterion, we use the positivity of partial transpose, a sufficient and necessary criterion, to characterize the tripartite entanglement with full inseparability generated from a detuned NOPO. We also consider the influence of the pump and signal/idler losses on the tripartite entanglement. The results show that, the tripartite entanglement could exist even with a large detuning of several times cavity linewidth, and may be better for a detuned regime than for the resonant one under some conditions. With a fixed non-zero loss which always exists in a real experiment, an appropriate value of non-zero detuning could lead to the best entanglement. What’s more, unlike the bipartite entanglement, which exists both below and above threshold, the tripartite entanglement only occurs for a nonzero classical amplitude of signal/idler field. The jumping between the tripartite and bipartite entanglement could make the NOPO become a quantum state switch element, which promises a potential application on the multiparty quantum secret sharing.

Selective cooling and squeezing in a lossy optomechanical closed loop embodying an exceptional surface

A closed-loop, lossy optomechanical system consisting of one optical and two degenerate mechanical resonators is computationally investigated. This system constitutes an elementary synthetic plaquette derived from the loop phase of the intercoupling coefficients. In examining a specific quantum attribute, we delve into the control of quadrature variances within the resonator selected through the plaquette phase. An amplitude modulation is additionally applied to the cavity-pumping laser to incorporate mechanical squeezing. Our numerical analysis relies on the integration-free computation of steady-state covariances for cooling and the Floquet technique for squeezing. We provide physical insights into how non-Hermiticity plays a crucial role in enhancing cooling and squeezing in proximity to exceptional points. This enhancement is associated with the behavior of complex eigenvalue loci as a function of the intermechanical coupling rate. Additionally, we demonstrate that the parameter space embodies an exceptional surface, ensuring the robustness of exceptional point singularities under experimental parameter variations. However, the pump laser detuning breaks away from the exceptional surface unless it resides on the red-sideband by an amount sufficiently close to the mechanical resonance frequency. Finally, we show that this disparate parametric character entitles frequency-dependent cooling and squeezing, which is of technological importance.

In Situ‐Tunable Spin–Spin Interactions in a Penning Trap with In‐Bore Optomechanics

AbstractExperimental implementations of quantum simulation must balance control‐field‐induced decoherence with the controllability of the quantum system. The ratio of coherent interaction strength to decoherence induced by stimulated emission in atomic systems is typically determined by hardware constraints, limiting the flexibility needed to explore different operating regimes. Here, an optomechanical system is presented for in situ tuning of the coherent spin‐motion and spin‐spin interaction strength in 2D ion crystals in a Penning trap. Enabled by precision closed‐loop piezo‐actuated positioners integrated into the confined space of a superconducting magnet's bore, the system allows tuning of the angle‐of‐incidence of Raman laser beams up to , governing the ratio of coherent to incoherent light‐matter interaction for fixed optical power. System characterization involves measurements of the induced mean‐field spin precession under the application of an optical dipole force in ion crystals cooled below the Doppler limit through electromagnetically induced transparency cooling. These experiments show approximately a variation in the coherent to incoherent interaction ratio with changing , consistent with theoretical predictions. The system stability is characterized over 6000 s, resulting in a drift rate of h–1. These technical developments will be crucial in future quantum simulations and sensing applications.

The manipulation of photon blockade via Newtonian gravity

We theoretically investigate the model of a quadratically coupled optomechanical system with a Newtonian gravitational potential in the weak-driving regime, where the optical cavity is driven by an external laser. The steady state of the whole system is treated in the framework of a few-photon subspace. We find that the conventional single-photon blockade, nonstandard types of single-photon blockade, two-photon blockade, and photon-induced tunneling can be induced by gravity when the quadratic optomechanical coupling strength remains constant. Moreover, we find that gravitational potential energy can compensate for the lack of quadratic optomechanical coupling for observation photon blockade. In particular, the photon stream with super-Poissonian distribution can be converted into a sub-Poissonian, antibunching photon stream by changing the driving detuning when the gravitational potential energy is included. These results show that the gravity has potential for realizing the manipulation of photon blockade in a quadratically coupled optomechanical system.