Domaines
Quantum optics/Atomic physics/Laser
Condensed matter
Non-relativistic quantum field theory, quantum optics, complex quantum systems
Quantum information theory and quantum technologies
Quantum optics
Type of internship
Expérimental et théorique Description
Similarly to a single atom, the motion of a massive, mesoscopic-scale mechanical resonator
can behave quantum mechanically when cooled down to ultra-low temperatures. The study of
quantum states of motion of such system has both fundamental and practical interests: as a
test of quantum mechanics in systems beyond the few-particle ensembles, and its interplay
with gravitation; or as a light-matter interface for the development of quantum
communication networks, for storing and transducing quantum information.
A mechanical resonator, such as the micrometer-sized disks fabricated in our team (picture
below), also confines optical modes that strongly interact with the motion. Therefore, light
provides a means to shape the quantum state of motion of such an object when prepared close
to its ground state (the ‘phonon vacuum’), by adding or removing phonons one by one. Light
also probes the obtained states.
This internship/PhD thesis aims to realize multipartite quantum control, entanglement and
superposition, in systems composed of several of these optomechanical resonators, either
evanescently coupled or arranged in an interferometric configuration. This work will target in
particular the generation of maximally-entangled GHZ states, of importance in quantum
computing protocols, or N00N states, of interest for sensing with sub-standard quantum limit
sensitivity, and offering the possibility to explore the concept of nonlocal influence in
quantum mechanics.
Contact
Adrien Borne