Mechanical Resonators for Quantum Optomechanics Experiments at Room Temperature

Mechanical Resonators for Quantum Optomechanics Experiments at Room Temperature

Norte, R.A. (TU Delft QN/Groeblacher Lab; Kavli institute of nanoscience Delft)
Pinto Moura, J.P. (TU Delft QN/Groeblacher Lab; Kavli institute of nanoscience Delft)
Groeblacher, S. (TU Delft QN/Groeblacher Lab; Kavli institute of nanoscience Delft)

2016-04-05

All quantum optomechanics experiments to date operate at cryogenic temperatures, imposing severe technical challenges and fundamental constraints. Here, we present a novel design of on-chip mechanical resonators which exhibit fundamental modes with frequencies f and mechanical quality factors Qm sufficient to enter the optomechanical quantum regime at room temperature. We overcome previous limitations by designing ultrathin, high-stress silicon nitride (Si3N4) membranes, with tensile stress in the resonators’ clamps close to the ultimate yield strength of the material. By patterning a photonic crystal on the SiN membranes, we observe reflectivities greater than 99%. These on-chip resonators have remarkably low mechanical dissipation, with Qm∼108, while at the same time exhibiting large reflectivities. This makes them a unique platform for experiments towards the observation of massive quantum behavior at room temperature.

http://resolver.tudelft.nl/uuid:9a19755b-7f7a-4f75-82fa-87483009a89c

https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.116.147202

0031-9007

Physical Review Letters, 116 (14)

Institutional Repository

journal article

© 2016 R.A. Norte, J.P. Pinto Moura, S. Groeblacher