Nonlinear Optomechanics: quadratic coupling and the single-photon regime

Note: 11 AM
Speaker: Andreas Nunnenkamp, Yale University

When: May 4, 2011 (Wed), 11:00AM to 12:00PM (add to my calendar)
Location: SCI 328

This event is part of the Condensed Matter Theory Seminar Series.

Abstract:
In optomechanical systems optical and mechanical degrees of freedom are coupled via radiation pressure, optical gradient and photothermal forces. Optomechanical devices may find applications in precision measurement, quantum information setups and studies of the quantum-to-classical transition.

To date, the literature has focused on the linear regime of systems where the position of the mechanical oscillator is coupled parametrically to the cavity. For example, the recently demonstrated red-sideband cooling and normal-mode splitting can be explained in the framework.

To prepare non-Gaussian states, however, one has to go beyond this linear setting. In particular, I will discuss the regime where a single photon displaces the oscillator by more than its zero-point uncertainty [arXiv:1103.2788] and systems where the position of the mechanical oscillator squared is coupled parametrically to the cavity [PRA 82, 021806(R) (2010)].