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Cavity Optomechanical Bistability with an Ultrahigh Reflectivity Photonic Crystal Membrane
Feng Zhou1,2, Yiliang Bao1,3, Jason J Gorman1
1Microsystems and Nanotechnology Division, Physical Measurement Laboratory, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD 20899, USA.
Laser & Photonics Reviews
|April 23, 2025
Summary
This study demonstrates a record high photonic crystal reflectivity using a Fabry-Perot cavity, achieving a finesse of 35,000. This breakthrough enables advancements in optomechanics and precision sensing applications.
Area of Science:
- Optomechanics
- Nanophotonics
- Materials Science
Background:
- Photonic crystal (PhC) membranes offer unique optical and mechanical properties.
- Fabry-Perot cavities are crucial for high-finesse optical measurements.
- Optomechanical systems require high-quality optical and mechanical components.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate record high reflectivity and finesse using PhC membranes in a Fabry-Perot cavity.
- To explore the optomechanical properties of PhC membranes for applications in precision sensing and quantum technologies.
- To investigate optomechanically-induced bistability and dynamical backaction.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of PhC membranes with sub-wavelength periods.
- Integration of PhC membranes as mirrors in a Fabry-Perot cavity.
- Characterization of optical finesse, reflectivity, and mechanical quality factor.
- Investigation of optomechanical bistability and dynamical backaction.
Main Results:
- Achieved a finesse of F = 35,000, corresponding to a record PhC reflectivity of R = 0.999835.
- Demonstrated an optical quality factor of Q_opt ≈ 10^9 and a mechanical quality factor Q = 1.1 × 10^6.
- Observed optomechanical bistability and induced strong mechanical oscillations via dynamical backaction.
- Confirmed the system operates in the resolved-sideband regime for ground-state cooling.
Conclusions:
- PhC membranes provide a powerful platform for high-performance optomechanical systems.
- The demonstrated system facilitates advances in precision sensing, quantum technologies, and optomechanically-induced bistability.
- This work paves the way for novel applications leveraging the unique properties of PhC membranes.
