We are studying the use of light to probe and drive optomechanical systems for use in practical sensors and fundamental quantum measurement science. Our primary current research direction involves the use of diffractive elements with sub-wavelength periodicity (“high-contrast gratings”) as optomechanical elements. Such structures enable a rich variety of devices, including mirrors, polarizers, and filters in a configuration that couples naturally to free-space optics. We have optically cooled these devices to cryogenic temperatures and are planning to cool them further, into the quantum domain. We have used them in a “phonon laser,” for which we are interested in developing applications. We are now exploring high-contrast gratings with a 2D periodicity, and active-cavity devices based on these structures.

In related work, we are exploring engineered multistable potentials in optomechanical systems, and studying phase transitions between their stable states. We have also investigated the use of self-assembled quantum dots as quantum sensors of displacement, an avenue of research that is still open.

 

key words

Optomechanics; Optomechanical; Cavity; Phonon laser; Photonic crystal; High-contrast grating; Optical cooling; Micromechanical; Nanomechanical;

Citizenship:  Open to U.S. citizens

Level:  Open to Postdoctoral applicants