Physics (Internal)

Quantum Measurement Backaction : From single atoms to mesoscopic optomechanical systems

This event is part of the Biophysics/Condensed Matter Seminar Series.

The act of measurement has profound consequences on a quantum system. As such, the evolution of a quantum system can be influenced and even controlled through the continuous measurement of its properties. I will describe our studies on such measurement-induced dynamics in systems ranging from nanoKelvin atomic gases to millimeter-scale mechanical systems. In the former case, we demonstrate that the act of imaging ultracold atoms can influence their quantum motion - a manifestation of the Quantum Zeno effect. We show that such continuous measurement schemes can be employed to induce new forms of collective quantum behavior and as such, are a promising avenue to the study of open quantum systems and the interplay between coherent quantum dynamics and dissipation. I will also discuss our ongoing efforts to extend such measurement-backaction schemes to control mesoscopic optomechanical systems for applications including quantum metrology and the study of non-equilibrium dynamics of isolated quantum systems.