Work

Probing mechanical quantum coherence with an ultracold-atom meter

Year: 2011

Type: article

Abstract: We propose a scheme to probe quantum coherence in the state of a nanocantilever based on its magnetic coupling (mediated by a magnetic tip) with a spinor Bose Einstein condensate (BEC). By mapping the BEC into a rotor, its coupling with the cantilever results in a gyroscopic motion whose properties depend on the state of the cantilever: the dynamics of one of the components of the rotor angular momentum turns out to be strictly related to the presence of quantum coherence in the state of the cantilever. We also suggest a detection scheme relying on Faraday rotation, which produces only a very small back-action on the BEC and is thus suitable for a continuous detection of the cantilever's dynamics.

Source: Physical Review A

DOI: 10.1103/physreva.84.063815

Authors: N. Lo Gullo, Th. Busch, G. M. Palma, M. Paternostro

Institutions: University College Cork, University of Palermo, Queen's University Belfast

Language: English

Topic: Mechanical and Optical Resonators

Subfield: Atomic and Molecular Physics, and Optics

Field: Physics and Astronomy

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: bronze

Funders: Irish Research Council for Science, Engineering and Technology, Science Foundation Ireland, Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council

Awards: Investigating quantumness in complex systems under adverse conditions, Quantum Engineering for Quantum Information Technologies, Quantum Technologies for Quantum Information, G6741728596