Mechanical Resonators for Quantum Optomechanics Experiments at Room Temperature

Richard A. Norte; Joao P. Moura; Simon Gröblacher

doi:10.1103/PhysRevLett.116.147202

paper

Mechanical Resonators for Quantum Optomechanics Experiments at Room Temperature

arXiv:1511.06235 · doi:10.1103/PhysRevLett.116.147202

Abstract

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 $Q_{m}$ sufficient to enter the optomechanical quantum regime at room temperature. We overcome previous limitations by designing ultrathin, high-stress silicon nitride (Si $_{3}$ N $_{4}$ ) 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 $Q_{m}$ $\sim$ $1 0^{8}$ , 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.

Mechanical Resonators for Quantum Optomechanics Experiments at Room Temperature

Abstract

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