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Quantum amplification of mechanical oscillator motion
S C Burd1,2, R Srinivas3,2, J J Bollinger3
1Time and Frequency Division, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Boulder, CO 80305, USA. shaun.burd@colorado.edu.
Science (New York, N.Y.)
|June 22, 2019
Summary
Scientists developed a new method to amplify tiny mechanical oscillator movements, overcoming quantum noise limits. This technique enhances sensitivity for detecting the weakest forces in nature.
Area of Science:
- Quantum mechanics
- Mechanical oscillators
- Precision measurement
Background:
- Detecting weak forces requires highly sensitive mechanical oscillators.
- Quantum fluctuations (zero-point fluctuations) limit measurement precision, even at the lowest energy state.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate a technique for amplifying coherent displacements of mechanical oscillators.
- To overcome the limitations imposed by quantum fluctuations on measurement sensitivity.
Main Methods:
- Implementing a protocol involving two orthogonal squeezing interactions.
- Applying these interactions before and after a small displacement of the oscillator.
- Utilizing a trapped-ion mechanical oscillator for experimental validation.
Main Results:
- Successfully amplified coherent displacements of a mechanical oscillator.
- Achieved amplification of initial displacements below zero-point fluctuation levels.
- Demonstrated an increase in sensitivity to small displacements by a factor of up to 7.3 (±0.3).
Conclusions:
- The developed technique effectively amplifies small mechanical displacements.
- The method ideally adds no significant quantum noise, improving measurement fidelity.
- This advancement offers enhanced capabilities for detecting weak forces.
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