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Quantum squeezing of a levitated nanomechanical oscillator
Mitsuyoshi Kamba1, Naoki Hara1, Kiyotaka Aikawa1
1Department of Physics, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.
Science (New York, N.Y.)
|September 18, 2025
Summary
Researchers demonstrate quantum squeezing of a nanoparticle
Area of Science:
- Quantum mechanics
- Macroscopic quantum phenomena
- Nanoparticle optomechanics
Background:
- Achieving quantum mechanical control over macroscopic objects is crucial for fundamental physics and advanced technologies.
- Ground-state cooling of levitated particles has advanced, but creating nonclassical states remains a challenge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate quantum squeezing of a levitated nanoparticle's motion.
- To explore nonclassical states of motion in macroscopic objects.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing a single levitated nanoparticle.
- Rapidly modulating the nanoparticle's oscillation frequency.
- Employing free-expansion measurements to analyze velocity variance.
Main Results:
- Successfully achieved quantum squeezing of the nanoparticle's motion.
- Observed a significant reduction in velocity variance by -4.9 ± 0.1 decibels below the ground state.
- Demonstrated a viable method for reaching nonclassical motional states.
Conclusions:
- Levitated nanoparticles provide an excellent platform for studying quantum motion.
- This technique opens avenues for quantum sensing and macroscopic quantum mechanics research.
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