Parametric Normal-Mode Splitting in Cavity Optomechanics

TL;DR

This paper analyzes how high-power parametric coupling in cavity optomechanics causes normal-mode splitting, revealing hybridization effects and classical cooling limits due to cavity lifetime.

Contribution

It provides a theoretical analysis of normal-mode splitting in backaction cooling at high input power, highlighting hybridization and classical limitations.

Findings

Normal-mode splitting occurs at high input power due to hybridization.

Cooling is limited by the cavity lifetime.

Spectral splitting of mechanical and optical fluctuations is observed.

Abstract

Recent experimental progress in cavity optomechanics has allowed cooling of mesoscopic mechanical oscillators via dynamic backaction provided by the parametric coupling to either an optical or an electrical resonator. Here we analyze the occurrence of normal-mode splitting in backaction cooling at high input power. We find that a hybridization of the oscillator's motion with the fluctuations of the driving field occurs and leads to a splitting of the mechanical and optical fluctuation spectra. Moreover, we find that cooling experiences a classical limitation through the cavity lifetime.