Work

Nanomechanical sensor resolving impulsive forces below its zero-point fluctuations

Year: 2026

Type: preprint

Abstract: The sensitivity of a mechanical transducer is ultimately limited by its inherent quantum fluctuations. Here, we use an optically levitated nanoparticle to measure impulsive forces smaller than the particle's zero-point momentum uncertainty. Our approach relies on reversibly squeezing the levitated particle's center-of-mass motion to coherently amplify the perturbation. We demonstrate resolving single impulsive-force kicks as small as 6.9 keV/c, a value 0.6 dB below the sensor's zero-point value.

Source: arXiv (Cornell University)

DOI: 10.48550/arxiv.2601.19392

Authors: Skrabulis, Martynas, Sosa, Martin Colombano, Zambon, Nicola Carlon, Militaru, Andrei, Rossi, Massimiliano, Frimmer, Martin, Novotny, Lukas

Institutions: ETH Zurich, University of Padua, Institute of Science and Technology Austria, Delft University of Technology

Topic: Mechanical and Optical Resonators

Subfield: Atomic and Molecular Physics, and Optics

Field: Physics and Astronomy

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: green

OpenAlex ID: W7125945670

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Cited by: 1

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