Controlling the net charge on a nanoparticle optically levitated in vacuum

Abstract

Optically levitated nanoparticles in vacuum are a promising model system to test physics beyond our current understanding of quantum mechanics. Such experimental tests require extreme control over the dephasing of the levitated particle's motion. If the nanoparticle carries a finite net charge, it experiences a random Coulomb force due to fluctuating electric fields. This dephasing mechanism can be fully excluded by discharging the levitated particle. Here, we present a simple and reliable technique to control the charge on an optically levitated nanoparticle in vacuum. Our method is based on the generation of charges in an electric discharge and does not require additional optics or mechanics close to the optical trap.

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• Cold Damping of an Optically Levitated Nanoparticle to micro-Kelvin Temperatures
• Optimal Feedback Cooling of a Charged Levitated Nanoparticle with Adaptive Control
• Theory for Cavity Cooling of Levitated Nanoparticles via Coherent Scattering: Master Equation Approach
• Testing the foundations of quantum physics in space Interferometric and non-interferometric tests with Large Particles
• Optical Tweezers: A Comprehensive Tutorial from Calibration to Applications
• Single-photon transfer using levitated cavityless optomechanics