His work focuses on cavity quantum optomechanics, a field dedicated to studying the interactions between light and deformable mechanical systems (e.g., ultrasensitive mirrors). It involves measuring both the effect of radiation pressure on the nanomechanical resonator and how the resonator, in turn, influences the state of photons within the cavity.
With this new project, the scientists inserted a nanowire into the microcavity to measure its deformation caused by a single photon. Since the nanowire exhibits random electromagnetic oscillations that persist in the vacuum even in the absence of energy, the researchers focused specifically on the deformation of the nanowire beyond these zero-point fluctuations.
Thanks to this innovative approach, the scientists were able to measure optomechanical action at the single-photon scale for the first time!
To learn more about the SinPhoCom project: Mesurer la lumière dans ses moindres frémissements.
For information, the Focus Sciences blog aims to carry out science communication initiatives centered around ANR research projects.
Special thanks to Olivier Arcizet for his participation and availability, as well as to Samuel Belaud, the author of this article.
*SinPhoCom : Cavity Nano-Optomechanics in the Ultrastrong Coupling Regime.
Illustration : a. Fibered optical microcavity and b. Photonic crystal
© Olivier Arcizet, Institut Néel