Optomechanics: Intermediate Level Course

Offered by EPFLx

Course Description

Embark on an illuminating journey into the fascinating world of optomechanics with this comprehensive intermediate-level course offered by EPFLx. Optomechanics, the study of light-and-mechanical-systems-interaction, is a cutting-edge field that explores the intricate dance between light and mechanical systems, opening doors to groundbreaking applications in both fundamental physics and technological advancements.

This course, taught by a network of 14 experts from 12 renowned universities and 2 leading industries across Europe, delves deep into cavity-optomechanics-research. You'll gain a solid understanding of the theoretical foundations of optical resonators and mechanical resonators, unravel the new physics emerging from their interaction, and master the tools and techniques essential for designing optomechanical experiments.

What Students Will Learn

  • A comprehensive understanding of the history-of-optomechanics, recent developments, and applications-of-optomechanics
  • In-depth knowledge of the physics-of-optomechanics, including mechanical and optical resonators
  • Mastery of concepts such as radiation-pressure-force and optomechanical-interaction
  • Proficiency in understanding classical-optomechanical-phenomena and quantum-optomechanical-phenomena
  • Practical skills in optomechanical-experiment-design and implementation

Prerequisites

  • Graduate-level knowledge of electrodynamics, statistical physics, and quantum mechanics
  • Familiarity with concepts of quantum optics and open quantum systems

Course Coverage

  • Introduction to optomechanics-study and its significance
  • Theoretical foundations of optical-resonators-theory and mechanical-resonators-theory
  • Optical-forces-in-optomechanics and their role in circuits
  • Classical and quantum dynamics of optomechanical systems
  • Quantum correlations in optomechanics
  • Experimental methods and platforms in optomechanical research

Target Audience

  • Graduate students in physics, engineering, or related fields
  • Researchers looking to expand their knowledge in optomechanics
  • Professionals in optics, photonics, or quantum technologies seeking to understand the latest developments in the field
  • Anyone with a strong background in physics interested in exploring the frontiers of light-matter interactions

Real-World Applications

  • Advancing research in quantum computing and quantum information processing
  • Developing ultra-sensitive sensors for gravitational wave detection
  • Improving precision measurement techniques in various scientific and industrial applications
  • Contributing to the development of novel quantum technologies
  • Enhancing understanding of fundamental quantum phenomena in macroscopic systems

Syllabus

Week 1: Introduction

  • Motivation
  • Qualitative basics
  • Optical forces
  • Optomechanical forces in circuits

Week 2: Optical and mechanical resonators

  • Classical description of resonators
  • Basics of elasticity
  • Mechanical dissipation
  • Stochastic processes and Brownian motion

Week 3: Classical dynamics

  • Optomechanical coupling and equations of motion
  • Dynamical backaction
  • Nonlinear dynamics
  • Quantization of harmonic oscillator

Week 4: Quantum dynamics

  • Quantum optics of a cavity
  • Quantum equations of motion
  • Quantum theory of the optomechanical cooling
  • Strong coupling regime
  • Optomechanically induced transparency

Week 5: Quantum correlations

  • Homodyne detection
  • Displacement sensing and the standard quantum limit
  • Squeezed light and applications in gravitational wave detection
  • Optomechanical squeezing
  • Entanglement in cavity optomechanical systems

Week 6: Experimental methods

  • Experimental platforms
  • Photonic crystals
  • Fabrication methods
  • Finite element simulations

This comprehensive course will equip you with the knowledge and tools to contribute to the exciting field of optomechanics, positioning you at the forefront of cutting-edge research and technological innovation.