Resonator-enhanced quantum levitation of macroscopic systems. This project aims to develop advanced technologies to optically levitate macroscopic (millimetre-sized) objects and nanoscopic (atomically

Description

Resonator-enhanced quantum levitation of macroscopic systems. This project aims to develop advanced technologies to optically levitate macroscopic (millimetre-sized) objects and nanoscopic (atomically thin) materials. Levitation platforms built by the investigatory team are based on the resonantly amplified radiation pressure of laser beams. This new type of optical levitation can provide ultimate isolation of the systems from external noise, making them extremely responsive to subtle environmental changes. These platforms could be turned into sharp instruments for measuring metrological variables of interest and probing new physics. Quantum optical techniques could be developed to optimise the sensitivity of levitated systems to levels that allow the exploration of quantum and gravitational physics.. Scheme: Discovery Projects. Field: 5108 - Quantum Physics. Lead: Dr Giovanni Guccione