Standard Quantum Limit for Probing Mechanical Energy Quantization

Abstract

We derive a standard quantum limit for probing mechanical energy quantization in a class of systems with mechanical modes parametrically coupled to external degrees of freedom. To resolve a single mechanical quantum, it requires a strong-coupling regime -- the decay rate of external degrees of freedom is smaller than the parametric coupling rate. In the case for cavity-assisted optomechanical systems, e.g. the one proposed by Thompson et al., zero-point motion of the mechanical oscillator needs to be comparable to linear dynamical range of the optical system which is characterized by the optical wavelength divided by the cavity finesse.

4 pages, 2 figures. Accepted by Phys. Rev. Lett

References in corpus (9)

• Optomechanical entanglement between a movable mirror and a cavity field
• Quantum Theory of Cavity-Assisted Sideband Cooling of Mechanical Motion
• Theory of ground state cooling of a mechanical oscillator using dynamical back-action
• Resolving photon number states in a superconducting circuit
• Ground-state cooling of a micromechanical oscillator: generalized framework for cold damping and cavity-assisted cooling schemes
• Cooling a nanomechanical resonator with quantum back-action
• Feedback cooling of a cantilever's fundamental mode below 5 mK
• Quantum Noise Interference and Back-action Cooling in Cavity Nanomechanics
• Entanglement of macroscopic test masses and the Standard Quantum Limit in laser interferometry