Physics Seminar

“Quantum meets Mechanics: from Quantum Information to Fundamental Research”

Dr. Sungkun Hong

Vienna Center for Quantum Science and Technology, University of Vienna

April 13 (Fri.), 10am

#1323 (E6-2, 1^st fl.)

Abstract:

Studying quantum aspects of macroscopic moving bodies is a new emerging field in quantum physics. The main experimental approach is cavity optomechanics, where photons in the cavity are used to measure and manipulate motional states of mechanical oscillators. Cavity optomechanics, together with advancements in microfabrication of mechanical devices, has allowed us to observe and control mechanical resonators at the quantum level. This opens new exciting possibilities for quantum information science and for studying quantum physics in hitherto untested macroscopic scales.

In this talk, I will describe two different quantum optomechanics experiments that I have been doing in Vienna. First, I will present our progress in utilizing on-chip optomechanical devices as a new resource for quantum information. Using micro-fabricated silicon structures, we demonstrated the generation of quantum-correlated photon-phonon pairs, the generation and retrieval of single phonons, and the remote entanglement between two mechanical modes, paving the way for telecom-compatible optical quantum networks. Future directions of the work will also be discussed. Next, I will introduce a novel, hybrid optomechanical system consisting of optically levitated nanoparticles and micro-fabricated photonic crystal cavity. The system combines ultra-high mechanical quality of the levitated nanoparticle and strong optical transduction from the optical cavity. It thus will allow for quantum coherent experiments on particle’s motions even at room temperature. I will discuss the current status of the experiment as well as future plans of the work, particularly the matter-wave interferometry in an unexplored mass regime.

Contact: Yongseop Kang, Administration Team (T.2599)

Department of Physics