Researchers at the Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) have achieved a milestone in quantum mechanics by overcoming a long-standing obstacle that requires an extremely cold environment to control quantum phenomena at room temperature. This opens up new possibilities for the application of quantum technology and the study of macroscopic quantum systems. In the field of quantum mechanics, the ability to observe and control quantum phenomena at room temperature has long been difficult to achieve, especially at large scales or"Macro"scale.
Conceptual diagram of the operating device, consisting of two periodically segmented mirrors sandwiched between a drum containing nanopillars, allowing the laser to interact strongly with the drum at room temperature. **EPFL and Second Bay Studios.
Traditionally, such observations have only been made in environments close to absolute zero, where quantum effects are more easily detectable. However, the requirement for extremely cold environments has been a major obstacle, limiting the practical application of quantum technologies.
Now, Tobias J. Chippenberg of the EPFLKippenberg) and Nils Johan Engelsen, a study redefines the boundaries of what's possible. This groundbreaking work blends quantum physics and mechanical engineering to enable the control of quantum phenomena at room temperature.
Kippenberg said"Achieving room-temperature quantum photomechanics has been an open challenge for decades. Our work effectively realizes the Heisenberg microscope – which has long been considered a theoretical toy model. "
In an experimental setup published today (Feb. 14) in the journal Nature, researchers have created an ultra-low-noise photomechanical system – a device in which light and mechanical motion are interconnected, allowing them to study and manipulate how light affects moving objects with high precision.
Crystalline cavity with a drum in the middle. **guanhao huang/epfl
The main problem with room temperature is thermal noise, which interferes with subtle quantum dynamics. To minimize thermal noise, scientists used a cavity mirror, a specialized mirror that can travel light back and forth in a confined space (cavity), effectively"Capture"light, and enhance the interaction of light with the mechanical elements in the system. To reduce thermal noise, these mirrors employ a crystal-like periodicity ("Phononic crystals"structure.
Another key component is a 4mm drum-like device called a mechanical oscillator, which interacts with light inside a cavity. Its relatively large size and design are key to isolating it from ambient noise, which makes it possible to detect subtle quantum phenomena at room temperature. Engelson said"The drum we used in this experiment was the culmination of years of effort to create a mechanical oscillator that was well isolated from the environment. "
The technologies we use to deal with difficult and complex noise sources have important implications for the broader field of precision sensing and measurement"Huang Guanhao, one of the two doctoral students who led the project, said.
This quantum phenomenon refers to the manipulation of certain properties of light, such as intensity or phase, to reduce the fluctuation of one variable at the expense of increasing the fluctuation of the other, as prescribed by Heisenberg's principle.
By demonstrating optical extrusion at room temperature in their system, the researchers showed that they can effectively control and observe quantum phenomena in macroscopic systems without the need for extremely low temperatures. The team believes that the system's ability to operate at room temperature will expand the use of quantum optomechanical systems, which are established test beds for quantum measurements and quantum mechanics at the macroscopic scale.
Alberto Beccari, another PhD student who led the study, added:"The system we have developed may facilitate new hybrid quantum systems, in which mechanical drums interact strongly with different objects, such as trapped clouds of atoms. These systems are very useful for quantum information and help us understand how to create large complex quantum states. "
Compilation**: scitechdaily