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09:10
Fabrication and Testing of Microfluidic Optomechanical Oscillators
Published on: May 29, 2014
A macroscopic mechanical resonator driven by mesoscopic electrical back-action
Joel Stettenheim1, Madhu Thalakulam, Feng Pan
1Department of Physics and Astronomy, Dartmouth College, Hanover, New Hampshire 03755, USA.
Nature
|July 3, 2010
Summary
Quantum tunneling electrons cause macroscopic crystal vibrations. This study reveals how microscopic quantum fluctuations in electron transport can drive the motion of a large mechanical oscillator, demonstrating a macroscopic quantum effect.
Area of Science:
- Quantum mechanics
- Mesoscopic physics
- Nanomechanics
Background:
- Coupled systems with mechanical and optical/electrical degrees of freedom exhibit complex dynamics.
- Macroscopic quantum phenomena offer insights into the classical-quantum transition.
- Electron and photon back-action on mechanical oscillators can influence motion (cooling/amplification).
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the mesoscopic back-action of electron tunneling on mechanical resonators.
- To demonstrate macroscopic manifestations of quantum behavior in electron transport.
- To explore feedback effects on detector noise coupled to mechanical oscillators.
Main Methods:
- Utilized noise measurements to detect mechanical vibrations.
- Employed radio-frequency quantum point contacts for electron tunneling.
- Studied carbon nanotube nanomechanical resonators.
Main Results:
- Observed driven vibrations of a host crystal caused by electron tunneling.
- Demonstrated that statistical fluctuations of tunneling electrons determine crystal motion.
- Showcased a macroscopic manifestation of microscopic quantum behavior.
Conclusions:
- Mesoscopic back-action of tunneling electrons can induce macroscopic mechanical motion.
- This phenomenon highlights the interplay between quantum transport and mechanical systems.
- The study provides a unique platform for exploring quantum effects in macroscopic objects.
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