The vision of our lab is to explore the quantum behavior of macroscopic objects and to develop novel quantum sensing technologies. We address these research questions with nano- and micromechanical systems. As a result, we explore novel ways to control and utilize nano- and micromechanical resonators with quantum optical tools.
Quantum optomechanics: In a cavity optomechanical system, light interacts with a mechanical resonator via radiation pressure. This radiation pressure force is used to exert control over the mechanical system. At the same time, the motion of the mechanical resonator acts back on the state of the light field. In our lab, we design, develop and explore novel cavity optomechanical devices for quantum sensing applications.
Have a look at our recent works:
- Integrated microcavity optomechanics with a suspended photonic crystal mirror above a distributed Bragg reflector, arXiv:2305.13511 [physics.optics] (2023)
- Micromechanical high-Q trampoline resonators from strained crystalline InGaP for integrated free-space optomechanics: arXiv:2211.12469 [physics.app-ph] (2022)
- Cavity Optomechanics with Photonic Bound States in the Continuum: Phys. Rev. Research 3, 013131 (2021)
- Suspended photonic crystal membranes in AlGaAs heterostructures: Appl. Phys. Lett. 116, 264001 (2020)
- Stationary optomechanical entanglement between a mechanical oscillator and its measurement apparatus: Phys. Rev. Research 2, 033244 (2020)
Levitated magnetomechanics: Levitation is a fascinating phenomenon in physics. It offers the best isolation of an object from its surrounding environment. A levitated object can thus be used as an ultra-sensitive device for measuring external forces or accelerations. In our lab, we explore chip-based superconducting levitation of magnetic objects of various sizes for (quantum-enhanced) sensing and quantum foundations, i.e., exploring the limits of macroscopic superposition states.
Have a look at our recent works:
- Superconducting microsphere magnetically levitated in an anharmonic potential with integrated magnetic readout: Phys. Rev. Applied 19, 054047 (2023) [Editor’s suggestion]
- A chip-based magnetic trap for levitating superconducting microparticles: IEEE Transactions on Applied Superconductivity 32, 1800305 (2022)
- Modeling and fabrication of chip-based superconducting traps: Supercond. Sci. Technol. 33, 105002 (2020)
- Ultrasensitive Inertial and Force Sensors with Diamagnetically Levitated Magnets: Phys. Rev. Applied 8, 034002 (2017)
Two-dimensional materials: Two-dimensional materials have unique properties that make them appealing for a range of novel applications. We use quantum emitters in these materials for generating non-classical photon states as well as for reading out the motion of a nanomechanical resonator functionalized with a two-dimensional material.
Have a look at our recent works:
- Vibrational signatures for the identification of single-photon emitters in hexagonal boron nitride: Phys. Rev. B 103, 115421 (2021)
- Criteria for deterministic single-photon emission in two-dimensional atomic crystals: Phys. Rev. Materials 4, 084006 (2020)
Wieczorek lab 