On-demand assembly of optically levitated nanoparticle arrays in vacuum

Abstract

Realizing a large-scale fully controllable quantum system is a challenging task in current physical research and has broad applications. In this work, we create a reconfigurable optically levitated nanoparticle array in vacuum. Our optically levitated nanoparticle array allows full control of individual nanoparticles to form an arbitrary pattern and detect their motion. As a concrete example, we choose two nanoparticles without rotation signals from an array to synthesize a nanodumbbell in situ by merging them into one trap. The nanodumbbell synthesized in situ can rotate beyond 1 GHz. Our work provides a platform for studying macroscopic many-body physics and quantum sensing.

Cavity-mediated long-range interactions in levitated optomechanics

“…Here, we introduce such a capability to engineer strong programmable cavity-mediated interactions between multiple spatially separated particles in vacuum. The programmability arises from the use of acousto-optic deflec-tors (AODs) to generate tweezer arrays for trapping the particles [5,24], which offer a high degree of control over parameters such as optical frequencies of the tweezers, cavity detuning, as well as mechanical frequencies and position of the particles. Such parameter control is crucial for precisely tuning the interaction strength and for choosing which particles and mechanical modes couple.…”

Cavity-mediated long-range interactions in levitated optomechanics

“…Here we introduce such a capability to engineer programmable cavity-mediated interactions between multiple spatially separated particles in vacuum. The programmability arises from the use of acousto-optic deflectors (AODs) to generate tweezer arrays for trapping the particles 5,24 , which offer a high degree of control over parameters such as optical frequencies of the tweezers and cavity detuning, as well as mechanical frequencies and position of the particles. Such parameter control is crucial for precisely tuning the Article https://doi.org/10.1038/s41567-024-02405-3…”

Near-Field GHz Rotation and Sensing with an Optically Levitated Nanodumbbell

“…Meanwhile, levitated dielectric particles in vacuum are ultrasensitive force detectors, and their CoM motion has been proposed to detect short-range forces, − dark matter, dark energy, high-frequency gravitational waves, and quantum gravity . Besides the CoM motion, there is increasing interest in the torsional − and rotational motions − of nonspherical particles. − Levitated nonspherical nanoparticles in free space have been driven to rotate at GHz frequencies , and cooled by active feedback, , coherent scattering, and spin-optomechanical interaction . Theoretical investigations have predicted intriguing quantum revivals and quantum persistent tennis racket dynamics of nanorotors.…”