A maser based on dynamical backaction on microwave light

Abstract

The work of Braginsky introduced radiation pressure dynamical backaction, in which a mechanical oscillator that is parametrically coupled to an electromagnetic mode can experience a change in its rigidity and its damping rate. The finite cavity electromagnetic decay rate can lead to either amplification or cooling of the mechanical oscillator, and lead in particular to a parametric oscillatory instability, associated with regenerative oscillations of the mechanical oscillator, an effect limiting the circulating power in laser gravitational wave interferometers. These effects implicitly rely on an electromagnetic cavity whose dissipation rate vastly exceeds that of the mechanical oscillator, a condition naturally satisfied in most optomechanical systems. Here we consider the opposite limit, where the mechanical dissipation is engineered to dominate over the electromagnetic one, essentially reversing role of electromagnetic and mechanical degree of freedom. As a result, the electromagnetic field is now subject to dynamical backaction: the mechanical oscillator provides a feedback mechanism which modifies the damping rate of the electromagnetic cavity. We describe this phenomenon in the spirit of Braginsky's original description, invoking finite cavity delay and highlighting the role of dissipation. Building on previous experimental work, we demonstrate this dynamical backaction on light in a superconducting microwave optomechanical circuit. In particular, we drive the system above the parametric instability threshold of the microwave mode, leading to maser action and demonstrate injection locking of the maser, which stabilizes its frequency and reduces its noise.Comment: Manuscript prepared for a special issue of Physics Letters A in memory of V. Braginsk

Injection locking of an electro-optomechanical device

“…Further research is required to explain the underlying mechanisms responsible for the cross-over between the two regimes with distinct locking dynamics. Recently, Toth et al 43 also demonstrated an injection signal that bypasses the non-linearity in a radiation-pressure electromechanical system. This experiment explored the reverse regime to that studied here, with the mechanical oscillator driving regenerative oscillations of a microwave field, allowing injection locking of the microwave resonance.…”

Quantum synchronization on the IBM Q system

“…Several proposals have been made to study quantum effects of synchronization in superconducting circuits [5,6], optomechanical systems [7,8], trapped ions [9,10], and nanomechanical oscillators [11]. However, all the experimental demonstrations of synchronization reported to date on these platforms were operating in the classical regime [12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21], because of the challenge of sustaining a highly nonlinear oscillator in the quantum regime.…”

Integrated cavity opto-electromechanics: electrical tuning and control of optomechanical systems

“…the underlying mechanisms responsible for the cross-over between the two regimes with distinct locking dynamics. Recently, Toth et al[219] also demonstrated an injection signal that bypasses the non-linearity in a radiation-pressure electromechanical system. This experiment explored the reverse regime to that studied here, with the mechanical oscillator driving regenerative oscillations of a microwave field, allowing injection locking of the microwave resonance.…”