Statistics – Computation
Scientific paper
Jun 2008
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2008phdt........21c&link_type=abstract
Proquest Dissertations And Theses 2008. Section 0753, Part 0606 [Ph.D. dissertation].United States -- Massachusetts: Massachus
Statistics
Computation
Quantum Noise, Radiation Pressure, Optical Interferometers
Scientific paper
In recent years, a variety of mechanical systems have been approaching quantum limits to their sensitivity of continuous position measurements imposed by the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle. Most notably, gravitational wave interferomters, such as the Laser Interferometer Gravitational wave Observatory (LIGO), operate within a factor of 10 of the standard quantum limit. Here we characterize and manipulate quantum noise in a variety of alternative topologies which may lead to higher sensitivity GW detectors, and also provide an excellent testbed for fundamental quantum mechanics. Techniques considered include injection and generation of non-classical (squeezed) states of light, and cooling and trapping of macroscopic mirror degrees of freedom by manipulation of the optomechanical coupling between radiation pressure and mirror motion. A computational tool is developed to model complex optomechanical systems in which these effects arise. The simulation tool is used to design an apparatus capable of demonstrating a variety of radiation pressure effects, most notably ponderomotive squeezing and the optical spring effect. A series of experiments were performed, designed to approach measurement of these effects. The experiments use a 1 gram mirror to show progressively stronger radiation pressure effects, but only in the classical regime. The most significant result of these experiments is that we use radiation pressure from two optical fields to shift the mechanical resonant frequency of a suspended mirror from 172 Hz to 1.8 kHz, while simultaneously damping its motion. The technique could prove useful in advanced gravitational wave interferometers by easing control issues, and also has the side effect of effectively cooling the mirror by removing its thermal energy. We show that with improvements, the technique may allow the quantum ground state of the mirror to be approached. Finally, we discuss future prospects for approaching quantum effects in the experiments. (Copies available exclusively from MIT Libraries, Rm. 14-0551, Cambridge, MA 02139-4307. Ph. 617-253-5668; Fax 617- 253-1690.)
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