Light-mediated strong coupling between a mechanical oscillator and atomic spins 1 meter apart

Area of Science:

• Quantum physics
• Quantum optics
• Optomechanics

Background:

• Strong interactions are crucial for quantum phenomena and technologies.
• Current methods often require short-range forces or electromagnetic resonators, limiting coupling distances.
• Long-distance, modular coupling of diverse quantum systems remains a significant challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

• To engineer strong, tunable, long-distance interactions between distinct quantum systems.
• To demonstrate a novel method for coupling atomic spins and mechanical membranes using light.
• To explore the potential of free-space light-mediated coupling for quantum technologies.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a free-space laser beam to mediate interactions.
• Coupled a collective atomic spin with a micromechanical membrane.
• Operated the system in a room-temperature environment over a distance of 1 meter.

Main Results:

• Achieved highly tunable strong coupling between the atomic spin and the membrane.
• Observed key quantum phenomena including normal-mode splitting and coherent energy exchange oscillations.
• Demonstrated two-mode thermal noise squeezing and dissipative coupling.

Conclusions:

• The developed light-mediated approach enables coherent, long-distance interactions between disparate quantum systems.
• This modular coupling strategy opens new avenues for quantum control and the construction of coherent feedback networks.
• The room-temperature, free-space method offers a practical platform for advancing quantum technologies.