Squeezed-light-driven force detection with an optomechanical cavity in a Mach-Zehnder interferometer

Area of Science:

• Quantum optics
• Optomechanics
• Precision measurement

Background:

• Standard quantum limit restricts measurement sensitivity.
• Optomechanical systems offer potential for enhanced sensing.
• Mach-Zehnder interferometers are sensitive optical measurement devices.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the performance of a force detector using a balanced Mach-Zehnder interferometer.
• To enhance measurement sensitivity beyond the standard quantum limit using quantum correlations.
• To identify optimal parameters for minimizing measurement noise.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing a Mach-Zehnder interferometer with an optomechanical cavity.
• Driving the system with a coherent superposition of coherent light and squeezed vacuum field.
• Analytical derivation of optimal measurement and squeezing parameters.

Main Results:

• Achieved measurement sensitivity below the standard quantum limit.
• Identified optimal measurement strength, squeezing direction, and squeezing strength.
• Demonstrated superior sensitivity in the low-frequency regime compared to balanced homodyne detection.

Conclusions:

• The proposed force detection scheme significantly enhances measurement sensitivity.
• Quantum correlation via squeezed light is crucial for surpassing the standard quantum limit.
• The balanced Mach-Zehnder interferometer approach offers advantages for precision force detection.