Dissipative optomechanics in a Michelson-Sagnac interferometer

Area of Science:

• Quantum optics
• Optomechanics
• Interferometry

Background:

• Dissipative optomechanics investigates coupling optical elements to cavity decay rates.
• Current systems face limitations in achieving strong, tunable dissipative coupling.

Purpose of the Study:

• To theoretically explore a novel optical realization of dissipative optomechanics.
• To enable strong and tunable dissipative coupling for enhanced quantum effects.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing a combined Michelson-Sagnac interferometer in the optical domain.
• Leveraging quantum interference to suppress the lower motional sideband.

Main Results:

• Achieved strongly enhanced cooling in the non-sideband-resolved regime.
• Demonstrated the potential for ground-state cooling and quantum-limited position transduction with current parameters.
• Showcased a strong, tunable dissipative coupling mechanism.

Conclusions:

• The proposed system offers a new route for observing fundamental optomechanical effects like nonlinear dynamics.
• The method is transferable to other quantum systems, including nonlinear media and atomic ensembles.