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BPN651: Cavity Optomechanics Experimentation
| Project ID |
BPN651 |
| Website |
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| Start Date |
Thu 2011-Aug-18 13:19:16 |
| Last Updated |
Fri 2013-Jan-18 23:30:02 |
| Abstract |
Cavity optomechanics is a new and rapidly advancing field in which light is used to alter
the properties of a mechanical element. Our project specifically aims to confine both optical waves
and mechanical waves in a high quality microcavity. When enough light is built up in such a cavity,
the radiation pressure “pushes” on the walls of the cavity causing mechanical deformation and thus a
coupling to the cavity mechanical modes. Under the right conditions, both the light mode and
mechanical mode reach a resonance condition resulting in modulation of the light intensity exiting
the cavity. Though there may be numerous applications for cavity optomechanics, we seek to apply the
precisely modulated light as a replacement for bulky microwave oscillators in chip scale atomic
clocks. This work focuses on the RF photonic experimentation necessary to characterize and improve
microfabricated optomechanical devices for the target application. |
| Status |
Continuing |
| Funding Source |
DARPA |
| IAB Research Area |
NanoPlasmonics, Microphotonics & Imaging |
| Researcher(s) |
Alejandro J. Grine, Karen Grutter, Niels Quack, Tristan Rocheleau, Turker Beyazoglu |
| Advisor(s) |
Ming C. Wu, Clark Nguyen |
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