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Processing light with an optically tunable mechanical memory.
David P Lake1, Matthew Mitchell1, Denis D Sukachev1
1Department of Physics and Astronomy and Institute for Quantum Science and Technology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.
Nature Communications
|January 29, 2021
Summary
Researchers enhanced optical signal storage in mechanical systems using cavity optomechanics. Time-varying feedback significantly extended memory decay time and reduced mechanical dissipation, enabling better information processing.
Area of Science:
- Cavity optomechanics
- Quantum information processing
- Solid-state physics
Background:
- Mechanical systems are key for classical and quantum information processing.
- Cavity optomechanics enables optical signal storage in mechanical vibrations via optomechanically induced transparency.
- Current limitations include short memory storage times due to mechanical dissipation and lack of in-situ signal control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To overcome limitations in cavity optomechanical memory.
- To extend optical signal memory decay time.
- To demonstrate in-situ control and manipulation of stored optical signals.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a multi-mode cavity optomechanical memory system.
- Introduced an additional optical field for time-varying parametric feedback.
- Investigated the modification of memory dynamics through feedback control.
Main Results:
- Extended memory decay time by an order of magnitude.
- Reduced effective mechanical dissipation rate by two orders of magnitude.
- Achieved deterministic phase shifts of stored fields exceeding 2π.
Conclusions:
- The developed multi-mode cavity optomechanical memory overcomes previous limitations.
- Parametric feedback enhances memory performance and control.
- This work expands the toolkit for information processing in cavity optomechanics.
