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Observation of optomechanical buckling transitions

Author

Listed:
  • H. Xu

    (Joint Quantum Institute, University of Maryland)

  • U. Kemiktarak

    (Joint Quantum Institute, University of Maryland
    National Institute of Standards and Technology)

  • J. Fan

    (National Institute of Standards and Technology)

  • S. Ragole

    (Joint Quantum Institute, University of Maryland
    Joint Center for Quantum Information and Computer Science, University of Maryland)

  • J. Lawall

    (National Institute of Standards and Technology)

  • J. M. Taylor

    (Joint Quantum Institute, University of Maryland
    National Institute of Standards and Technology
    Joint Center for Quantum Information and Computer Science, University of Maryland)

Abstract

Correlated phases of matter provide long-term stability for systems as diverse as solids, magnets and potential exotic quantum materials. Mechanical systems, such as buckling transition spring switches, can have engineered, stable configurations whose dependence on a control variable is reminiscent of non-equilibrium phase transitions. In hybrid optomechanical systems, light and matter are strongly coupled, allowing engineering of rapid changes in the force landscape, storing and processing information, and ultimately probing and controlling behaviour at the quantum level. Here we report the observation of first- and second-order buckling transitions between stable mechanical states in an optomechanical system, in which full control of the nature of the transition is obtained by means of the laser power and detuning. The underlying multiwell confining potential we create is highly tunable, with a sub-nanometre distance between potential wells. Our results enable new applications in photonics and information technology, and may enable explorations of quantum phase transitions and macroscopic quantum tunnelling in mechanical systems.

Suggested Citation

  • H. Xu & U. Kemiktarak & J. Fan & S. Ragole & J. Lawall & J. M. Taylor, 2017. "Observation of optomechanical buckling transitions," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 8(1), pages 1-7, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:8:y:2017:i:1:d:10.1038_ncomms14481
    DOI: 10.1038/ncomms14481
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