Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: We explore the use of a spatial mode sorter to image a nanomechanical resonator, with the goal of studying the quantum limits of active imaging and extending the toolbox for optomechanical force sensing. In our experiment, we reflect a Gaussian laser beam from a vibrating nanoribbon and pass the reflected beam through a commercial spatial mode demultiplexer (Cailabs Proteus). The intensity in each demultiplexed channel depends on the mechanical modeshapes and encodes information about their displacement amplitudes. As a concrete demonstration, we monitor the angular displacement of the ribbon’s fundamental torsion mode by illuminating in the fundamental Hermite-Gauss mode ( HG 00 ) and reading out in the HG 10 mode. We show that this technique permits readout of the ribbon’s torsional vibration with a precision near the quantum limit. Our results highlight new opportunities at the interface of quantum imaging and quantum optomechanics.
Source: Physical Review Research
DOI: 10.1103/6msj-wh2f
Authors: M. E. Choi, C. M. Pluchar, W. He, S. Guha, D. J. Wilson
Institutions: University of Arizona, University of Maryland, College Park
Language: English
Subfield: Atomic and Molecular Physics, and Optics
Field: Physics and Astronomy
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,625
OpenAlex ID: W4413141608