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Nanomechanics & Optomechanics

Nanomechanical quantum hybrid systems offer promising perspectives to test macroscopic objects for their quantum mechanical behavior. Key experiments are the cooling of mechanical harmonic oscillators to their ground-state, squeezing of quantum states and conversion of quantum information between energy-scales (e.g. frequency conversion).

Sideband control of electromechanical hybrids

We investigate electromechanical hybrids based on superconducting (Nb) microwave resonators combined with nanomechanical beams based on SiN-Nb sandwich layers. This combines important key parameters of the beam like the excellent conduction with high mechanical resonance frequencies and quality factors. The structures are pre-characterized at liquid helium temperatures followed by microwave spectroscopy in dilution-refrigerator environments.
Here we focus on:

  • the investigation of the properties of the mechanical, electrical and coupled system at millikelvin temperatures.
  • benchmarking the performance of sideband cooling and heating.

Optomechanically induced transparency and absorption in electromechanical hybrids

Optomechanically induced transparency is an interference effect which occurs when the electromechanical system is investigated with multiple microwave tones. In particular, a so-called transparency window opens in the otherwise absorptive signature of the microwave cavity if the beam is driven by a microwave signal which is red detuned. In this experiment the microwave cavity is simultaneously probed by a low intensity microwave tone.
In the hybrid structures described above, we test the existing models of optomechanical induced transparency towards:

  • the red and the blue detuned regime.
  • high pump and probe intensities resulting in a nonlinear response of the system and duffing like oscillations.

For all above described research areas we are constantly providing fascinating topics for diploma/master and bachelor students. If you are interested in doing exciting new physics in our nanomechanics team please contact Hans Hübl, Achim Marx or Rudolf Gross.

The nanomechanical hybrid systems research activites at the WMI are embedded in the Excellence Cluster "Nanosystems Initiative Munich" and the EU Horizon 2020 Project Magnetomechanical Platforms for Quantum Experiments and Quantum Enabled Sensing Technologies (MagQSens).

For further information contact Hans Hübl or Rudolf Gross.