Growing macroscopic superposition states via cavity quantum optomechanics

The investigation of macroscopic quantum phenomena is a current active area of research that offers significant promise to advance the forefronts of both fundamental and applied quantum science. Utilizing the exquisite precision and control of quantum optics provides a powerful toolset for generatin...

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Xehetasun bibliografikoak
Egile Nagusiak: Clarke, J, Vanner, M
Formatua: Journal article
Argitaratua: IOP Publishing 2018
Deskribapena
Gaia:The investigation of macroscopic quantum phenomena is a current active area of research that offers significant promise to advance the forefronts of both fundamental and applied quantum science. Utilizing the exquisite precision and control of quantum optics provides a powerful toolset for generating such quantum states where the types and `size' of the states that can be generated are set by the experimental parameter regime available and the resourcefulness of the protocol applied. In this work we present a new multistep scheme to `grow' macroscopic superposition states of motion of a mechanical oscillator via cavity quantum optomechanics. The scheme consists of a series of optical pulses interacting with a mechanical mode via radiation-pressure followed by photon-counting measurements. The multistep nature of our protocol allows macroscopic superposition states to be prepared with a relaxed requirement for the single-photon optomechanical coupling strength. To illustrate the experimental feasibility of our proposal, we quantify how initial mechanical thermal occupation and mechanical decoherence affects the non-classicality and macroscopicity of the states generated and show that our scheme is resilient to optical loss. The advantages of this protocol provide a promising path to grow non-classical mechanical quantum states to a macroscopic scale under realistic experimental conditions.